Gui Santos, 20, to be with stars LeBron and Stephen Curry at NBA All-Star Weekend

The player, in his first year in US basketball, will represent the country in the NBA G-League Next Up Game, a developmental league highlight game, in Salt Lake City

LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant… NBA they gather in Salt Lake City for the All-Star Weekend and a Brazilian wants to enjoy every minute of the experience that he will have in the next three days. Gui Santos was chosen to participate in the Next game of the G-Leaguegame that is played this Sunday, a few hours before All-Star Game.

The game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus showcases 24 players from the G-League. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who works in the Santa Cruz Warriorsaffiliated with Golden State, he was shortlisted by popular vote and was selected to play for the team captained by Scoot Henderson.

“It’s an experience I never imagined I could have. We will be with all the players who participate in the NBA All-Star Game, we will witness everything that happens during the event, including staying in the same hotel. It will be a experience unique opportunity,” said Gui Santos al State.

The player will have the opportunity to demonstrate his evolution since he arrived in the United States. With good performances for Minas in Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), Gui Santos was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 55th overall pick in the 2022 draft. He plays in the G-League, the NBA development league. There are 30 teams, including one based in Mexico.

“It was a right decision, thinking about the NBA. Here I have already experienced what the NBA game is like, which is totally different from what I was used to,” said Gui Santos, who had the chance to return to Brazil or play in another championship, like in Australia, a path followed by Didi Louzada. The Cleveland Charge player was also among the top voters to make the NBA G-League Next Up Game, but he is out of the event due to injury.

To the Santa Cruz Warriors, Gui Santos focuses on his daily work to evolve and get a place in the NBA. He prefers not to set a deadline to achieve the goal. “I don’t pressure myself that I need to be there (in the NBA) many years from now. I am more focused on the present than on future steps. It’s something that will only make me lose energy. There are a lot of questions and it’s not a situation in my 100% control,” he explained. “Everyone has a chance (since joining the NBA). I try to do everything they ask me to do, work as much as possible in the present, today, in every training session, because if an opportunity arises, I’ll be ready.”

Routine is heavy. Gui Santos goes to the team gym in the morning to practice his extra shot. In the afternoon, between noon and 5:00 pm, he works with the Santa Cruz Warriors roster on the court and in the gym. Dedication, according to the player, made the difference, especially from a physical point of view. The Brazilian has lost weight (he has 84 kilos distributed over 2.02 cm tall) and has gained muscle mass.

“People here have been surprised by my physical evolution. It’s something I’m working very hard on. It helps me on the pitch. I change direction faster, I can run faster and jump higher,” exemplified Gui Santos.

The next step is to fully adapt to the style required by American basketball. “I’m learning this first year. Now I have to keep evolving, work hard to know what I have to do, where I have to improve. It’s never enough. You always have to correct one thing or another.”

But Gui Santos doesn’t want to think about his future in the NBA this weekend. It’s also the time to have fun. “It will be a quieter, more relaxed game. Let’s play more, it won’t be such a serious game. I want to have fun, make some good moves,” said the Brazilian, happy to have been chosen for the G-League Next Up Game according to the public vote.

“It’s the desire of Brazilians to have a basketball idol, someone who can bear the name of Brazil. I see that they have this hope in me. It’s important because I’m not doing it just for me or my family, but for everyone who wants to have a Brazilian as an NBA star” said Gui Santos.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.