When he was only three years old, his mother Patricia took him to soccer to start a sport, but at nine he met his true passion: basketball. Juan Esteban Irrazábal Maimmone (14) has a very clear objective, one day to join the Argentine team. In this interview he introduces himself and tells us his story.
Juan, what do you remember about your childhood and how did your first years of life pass?
I spent my childhood in the Providencia neighborhood of Chimbas, I played a lot of ball, balitas, spinning tops. With my brothers and friends we had a lot of fun.
Did your family encourage you to play sports?
Totally, in my family everyone practiced or practiced some sport. My grandfather was the technical director and vice president of the Huarpes Club, my uncle played roller hockey at the club, my father practiced rugby and my mother did rollerblading, plus one of my brothers also plays basketball and my sister does dance.
How did you start in sports activity?
At the age of three my mother took me to soccer, I went to different clubs, until when I was 9 years old I went to see my brother who played basketball, and from that day on I started at the University. It’s my passion.
What memories do you have of your first game?
The best ones, I started at the National University of San Juan when I was 9 years old, and with the help of teachers I was improving and gaining experience. In the first training sessions I didn’t know anyone and in the first game I was nervous because I started, but I made a triple and we won it. I celebrated with all my colleagues.
Where does the present find you playing?
I’m playing at Sporting Estrella, at the University I learned a lot but at Estrella I made the leap in quality. I improved a lot both in sports, physical and technical. I improved in the movements within the court, throws and passes, among others.
What is your highest satisfaction so far in basketball?
There are several, some games that I played and won in the teams where I was. But the most gratifying thing is to have been part of the San Juan U13 team and to be part of a sports and technical campus in Buenos Aires.
Who are your references in this activity?
Facundo Campazzo and Luis Scola. I like to follow the national league and the NBA, but I pay more attention to them.
What are your goals in this sport?
In the short term, I would like to be champion with Sporting Estrella, and in the long term to be part of the Argentine team.
How does it feel to represent San Juan in another province?
It is a very beautiful feeling, of happiness and pride. I traveled with my team to San Luis and Mar del Plata, and when I entered the field it was beautiful.
About the family linked to sports
Orlando Maimmone, paternal grandfather of Juan Esteban, was a founding member of the Huarpes Club, vice president and technical director of the institution. His uncle played roller hockey, his father Marcelo played rugby and his mother Patricia practiced rollerblading, running and gymnastics at the club. His brother Martín also plays basketball and his sister Luciana practices dance.
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