ARG - Big future could await youngster Cequeira

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Nacional) - When Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez handed Boca Juniors' Luis Cequeira a place in the Pan American Games squad for the first time last July, no one was surprised except the youngster.

The 22-year-old point guard had shone with the Argentina Liga Nacional champions and had long since been identified as a star of the future, one who would eventually be snapped up by a team in Europe.

The call-up was seen as more of a formality than a possibility, but for Cequeira himself, it was out of the blue.

"To be honest, I didn't expect that call to the senior national team," he said in exclusive interview with FIBA.com.

"Everything was so fast. The night before, I was celebrating the domestic league with Boca, and the fact that I was chosen as the tournament's best sixth man.

"The next morning I saw my name in the Pan-American Games list and I was shocked. It was something that was impossible to describe."

Argentina didn't reach the podium in that tournament as they were beaten by Uruguay in the bronze-medal challenge, but Cequeira (who averaged 21 minutes and 6.8 points per game) will never forget the experience.

"I played a lot and I tested myself at an international level. I was the youngest player and I learned a lot from my teammates."

Boca's coach is Gabriel Piccato, Sergio Hernandez's former assistant at Boca, which made it easier for Cequeira to fit in.

"Piccato is very clear with his demands. He and Hernandez have very similar styles - of course, with a lot of differences too. But they both are winners."

In the beginning

Cequeira began his career in the Chaco province in the far north of Argentina, playing for two outfits in his native city of Resistencia: San Martin in the mini-basketball category and then Hindu Club.

At the age of 15, Cequeira took a decision that changed his life.

Leaving his family behind, he joined Liga Nacional's Quilmes in Mar del Plata, more than 1,400 kilometres away from home.

"It wasn't easy at first," he said.

"Besides my experience in Chaco, I had only played some in youth national championships with the province. I had a rough first year all by myself, but I signed with the professional team the next season."

Four years later, Cequeira joined giants Boca and also had his first experience with the national squad.

"I made a tour around Chile in a youth division, but I wasn't in good form."

Cequeira is conscious that he is a long way off from earning a place in the Olympic champions' squad, but his defensive prowess and speed make him a great pressure player who thrives in transition.

He is very effective in one-on-one situations.

"Today the best Argentinian players are in international leagues and to achieve that, I have to make progress every day.

"I have a blind trust in my characteristics, but I work to be the best."

Cequeira's impressive form last season has ensured he is a key-man for Piccato this season.

He's now averaging 14.2 points (only behind experienced Leo Gutierrez in his team), and leads the team in assists, with 3.4 per game.

"The Liga Nacional has been always a strong tournament. In every game the stands are crowded. But without a doubt the national squad's international achievements have attracted a new audience.

"The tournament is more competitive every season. For example, last year nobody thought we would achieve the title. We didn't start well so all the media attention was on Penarol."

This season Boca had a better start as they led the Southern Zone, but they recently lost the South American Club Championship.

Boca came to Brasilia on the back of three successive titles (two with Cequeira on the court) but finished second to Brazilians Minas Tenis.

"In the Liga Nacional we are in a better shape than last year, but I have a bitter taste in my mouth after losing the South American tournament.

"We didn't play well in the opening game against Minas Tenis as we were a bit tired because of the journey, and that turned out to be the difference that gave them the title.

"Then we showed our potential and defeated the next teams without any problems, but that wasn't enough."

Cequeira is looking for revenge in the upcoming FIBA Americas League, beginning next month.

There, Boca will again meet hosts Minas Tenis, as well as Brazilian side Franca and Uruguayan team Defensor in Group C.

His long-term future might be uncertain, but Cequeira has already made up his mind about some things.

"There are some rumors about European clubs interested in me," he said.

"But at the moment, I'm playing at Boca in a very demanding league.

"Argentina and Brazil have the best South American tournaments. I want to grow, to advance and not regress in my development.

"If I am going to leave Boca, I will do it for a better tournament or one at the same level. I am not thinking about the money.

"The players who went to an inferior championship for that reason returned playing at a lower level, and that is not my dream."

Gabriel Batalla, Buenos Aires
FIBA