Kepa De Castro, originally from Leioa, has debuted this season with the first team of Surne Bilbao Basket, participating in both the ACB and FIBA championships. After eight years in the club's youth system and four training with the first team, this year he has achieved the opportunity to play in official matches.
The young player describes the experience as "incredible," especially after not being able to debut last year when the club won its first European Cup. "I thought it wouldn't happen again, but look, I've been lucky and this year I've lived it again. It's been incredible," he confesses.
“"I thought it wouldn't happen again, but look, I've been lucky and this year I've lived it again. It's been incredible"
Elite basketball is "another world," according to De Castro, where professionalism and discipline prevail. Coach Jaume Ponsarnau asks the young players to play calmly and enjoy themselves on the court, emphasizing the importance of savoring the experience.
He describes the transition from watching the team from the stands to experiencing it from within as a "radical and incredible change." He admits that at first he asked himself, "What am I doing here?", but feels that the support of his teammates and hard training give him full merit.
“"15 years ago I watched Bilbao Basket from the stands with my father and brother, we were season ticket holders, and now I'm experiencing it from within. It's a radical change, incredible. At first, I asked myself: "What am I doing here?"."
He highlights the truth that the team is "a unit" (una piña), noting that the good atmosphere and positive energy are reflected in the results. He mentions that veteran players such as Aleix, Stefan, Martin, Melvin, and Harald have offered him much advice and support.
He has also performed well in the U22 team, despite bad luck with injuries. His goal is to continue playing basketball, but also to finish his studies, "because if basketball fails, you need to have something to fall back on."
He praises the growth of the Bilbao Basket youth academy, which has expanded to include more than eight teams and has created a women's team. "You see improvement and opportunities are given. Sacrifices have their rewards," he concludes.
