His absolute debut was at the 2003 South American Championship in Montevideo — from there on he became a referent for every time Uruguay is playing. He was the first and still the only player from his country to get to the NBA and his dream of defending the Celestes at a FIBA Basketball World Cup is still alive.

Esteban Batista is one of the most important players in the history of Uruguay. Before the game against Mexico in the Americas Qualifiers, the center explained his feelings towards his national team.

What does it mean for you that Uruguay play at home again, and that this time, for the last time, you will do so as locals at Palacio Peñarol?

This is very beautiful and has given us the possibility of watching several games at home with our people. It also creates expectation and a very nice atmosphere because you're watching the national team over here. We all like that chance of playing for our country in our country.

Your first official tournament playing for Uruguay was precisely at home (2003 South American Championship) and at that time, the stage was Cilindro Municipal. What do you remember about that moment?

I was 18 and I lived it with a lot of joy. Apart, Cilindro was legendary for us and it was an unsurpassed experience. After that, 14 years went by, but the emotions at the AmeriCup were the same.

You will be the only player that will defend uruguay in its three greatest venues: first, at Cilindro; then, at Palacio Peñarol; and in the next window, at Antel Arena.

It’s going to be beautiful. Cilindro was a stadium with a lot of history and hopefully Antel Arena will continue that path, because it’s a first-level stadium. For me, playing in Uruguay is gratifying and that detail is as well.

When you arrived at the National Team, whose footsteps were you following and who accompanied you in those first steps?

When I started, Gustavo Szczygielski and Tree Owens were there and were very important. In fact, I shared my first camp with Owens and he was someone who always was at my side and supported me. The thing is that they were in the middle of their rebuilding and now it's my turn to be at that side.

How much does a player change from being the one who listens to be the one that must lead?

It's a road that you travel unknowingly. It's not that I feel old, but when you look back you realize that it was a long road. You also see your team mates faces and they're youngsters that want to play. It's beautiful to have the chance to pass something on.

Which type of competition do you prefer to defend Uruguay? You have already played at Sudamericanos, Americas Tournaments, AmeriCup, and now, the qualifying windows.

I like this one. The truth is that I would've loved it if this opportunity had presented itself eight years ago. I think we would've had more chances because of the way it is structured. It’s very nice to be able to reunite with the national team during short periods and not to let a year go by without seeing your mates. The connection is longer-lasting in the season between the people and the team. Besides, I would have loved it before because it also shortens the times you're traveling. Playing oversees... these travels help you to be better in the season.

Uruguay is in a good situation in the Qualifiers, a key game against Mexico is approaching, what is the key to win?

We're both in a compromised situation and it's a win or lose game. Whoever is mentally stronger will surely be the one who has the advantage. We have to step on the gas from the start and play at 150% because we have nothing left. Many of them are carrying the weight of the voyage and that can present its inconveniences. If there’s something we can't fail it’s attitude. My grand dream has always been to play a World Cup with Uruguay, and I still keep that dream alive. That’s why we must win all games.

GETTING TO KNOW ESTEBAN BATISTA

Of these three jerseys: Uruguay, Welcome and Nacional, which one would you rather defend?

I'd pick Uruguay. I'm a fan of the other two. I could even do something like Sebastián Abreu in soccer, make myself a jersey with something of all three. I love them very much and I’d defend them ‘till the end.

What was your best tournament while playing for Uruguay?

Personally, the 2005 Qualifiers in the Dominican Republic; but as a group I’ll stay with Puerto Rico 2009. We had never been as close to qualifying and we lost by very little.

And which tournament would you like to play again because you feel that you never found your game?

The 2004 Sudamericano at Campos. I had a horrible tournament. I felt really bad about everything, but you have to learn and that helped me.

Your best game with the national team?

Against Mexico in 2005 at the Dominican Republic; I played tremendously.

A club that you defended oversees?

I can't say just one, so I’ll say three: Macabi (Israel), Panathinaikos (Greece) and Milan (Italy).

The NBA?

Getting there was something incredible. Right now it's the only time that someone has achieved it and I'm very proud of it at a personal level. It was an experience that helped me a lot to believe in me, and that came later in my career.

Your best moment overseas?

The tournaments I played with Macabi, Panathinaikos and at Pinar, in Turkey, where we won the Cup and that was the club’s first official title.

A coach in your career?

Luckily, I’ve had several and very good ones, but I’ll mention four. Víctor Berardi, Javier Espíndola, Ufuk Sarica and Dusko Ivanović.

A teammate in the court?

Osky Moglia and Núñez were fundamental in my growth as a player. I've played with the best in Europe and I learned from all, but the beginning with them was fundamental.

Of the players you shared the court with, which one was the best?

Dimitris Diamantidis, Marcelinho Huertas and Ersan Ilyasova.

FIBA