The Barranquillero Jaime Echenique, who made history last Thursday by becoming in the first Colombian to debut in the NBA, he attended this Tuesday to the Colombian media in a virtual press conference that he held from the U.S. The pivot of the Washington Wizzards He assured that bigger things are coming for his career.
“I have never felt that weight. I don’t care being the first, I don’t realize those things. I don’t know how big it is. That would be feeding something that is not part of my essence and my personality. I do what I know, “he said about whether there is any pressure for him to be the first Colombian in the major basketball leagues.
In this regard, he added: “If Colombia celebrates it, it’s fine, but I know I still have a long way to go, that something bigger is coming. This is a start. Hopefully those who come behind can see that with a lot of effort it is possible to get there, but I never carry the burden. I’m not interested in being the first or the second. I care that my parents feel proud and be the best version of myself. I enjoy everything. I enjoy the difficult days and the happy days. “
While being questioned about the happiness of his compatriots after his first game, he commented: “I understand the joy. It’s like when Mariana Pajón won the gold medal or when Caterine Ibargüen did. They are achievements that one shares and feels as their own. You know the sacrifice behind it. When you know what each one had to go through, that generates empathy. “
However, he added: “There are other things in life that are more important to me, other than my being the center of attention. I am glad of what happens. I love Colombia and I love my country. I always tell my friends that Colombia is beautiful because we celebrate everything. Sometimes too much, but we are very empathetic. “
Echenique explained that her absence in the Colombia selection It is due to their personal projects, which at this moment are focused in another direction. “With the selection the opportunity has not been given, I’m at a point in my career where I have other goals. Now I care about other things; I mean, if I care to represent my country, but many things, like the calendar, prevent me from playing in the team because I have to give priority to other things. “
The Barranquilla, absent in the last two games for the Wizzards, commented on how to get more minutes: “andOr I just hope my name is called and they put me on the court I don’t need more, I can’t control anymore. It is a process. In the summer league I started small and I earned my place, I fulfill my role and I wait for them to call me to do the best I can. “
While about his future, whose contract in the NBA will be fulfilled this weekend, he said. “I think about the day to day, thinking a week ahead is already too much, I think about what I need to improve tomorrow, that’s why I think I am where I am. When you look at the result you don’t enjoy it. Coming? I do not know, it depends on God, I leave it in his hands. I will dedicate myself to work“.
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