MONTEVIDEO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Ángel Delgado is the star of the inside game for the Dominican Republic in this new era.

The 22-year-old 6ft 8in (2.04m) tall giant, studies and plays at Seton Hall University.

His good numbers and growing talent led him to be noticed by the NBA’s select realm to such an extent that his selection in the past draft seemed to be a fact. However, it was the player himself who surprised everyone by not being dazzled by the gleaming lights of the best basketball league in the world. Instead, he prioritized to fulfill a very important step in his life: his studies.

Delgado portrayed his great maturity and his capacity to control his emotions when he confirmed the news through his Twitter account: “I’m going back to school for my last year. It’s very important for me and my family to finish what I started. This was a difficult decision that took time and patience. It feels good to be back. I'm excited to help make 2018 a special year for Seton Hall.”

Time will be responsible to show how far the Dominican Center can go, while he demonstrates his talent inside the court. If we talk about numbers, Delgado was last season’s national leader in rebounds (13.1 on average) and second in double-doubles (27). In turn, he averaged 15.2 points per game.

Delgado, who wears the number 12 on his country’s jersey and knows how to make an impression under the board, spoke firmly about his sport and university careers: “I want to be a professional at all levels, not only in basketball. That’s why I think that finishing my studies will be very important for my future. It wasn’t easy at the time, especially after the year I had. I’m also confident that I will finish my International Business degree as well as making it to the top in this sport that I love so much. To achieve that, the support of my family is everything and thank God, I have it as well.

After the first two days in Montevideo, Delgado has significantly improved by making great contributions for his team. In the victory against Panama, with a score of 86 to 64, he added a new double-double, which was the result of 17 points and 13 rebounds in 33' of action.

Physical strength, desire to learn and intelligence, are the distinct characteristics that Ángel Delgado showcase on the court. He’s very clear that he’s the one to decide how far he’ll go in the basketball world, which seems to have an elite spot saved just for him. Great news for Dominican Republic.

FIBA