Sergio de Larrea remembers Spanish childhood idols: "I tried to be like them"

Sergio de Larrea, a 20-year-old point guard, spoke about his arrival to the Dallas Mavericks during Friday's preseason press day. The player, selected as the 25th overall pick in the June draft, explained how Valencia is transitioning into the NBA and pointed out two names that have helped directly in this process: Kyrie Irving and Santi Aldama.

Before Dallas: from Valencia to the NBA

Larrea arrives at the Mavericks after a season in Valencia, team where he had already been showing that he knows how to play at high pace.

For a young goalkeeper coming from European basketball, the biggest test is usually adapting to NBA speed. Larrea however says that the style seen in Valencia has already made him more prepared. He stated that the game in Dallas fits well with what he knows how to do: attack fast, create many ball possession and look for the best shot without having to solve everything in the first eight seconds.

Kyrie Irving, Aldama and the beat of the NBA

When it comes to the dressing room, Larrea sees in Kyrie Irving an immediate reference. According to him, Irving is a leader and has sought to pass on to newcomers, as well as players already present in the squad, what he learned throughout his career. For the Spanish owner, having this kind of voice around is a clear opportunity to learn and improve their own game.

Living with Santi Aldama brings another kind of comfort: that of a familiar face. Larrea said he has known Aldama for the past three years and that the two have built a good relationship. Now in the same team, he believes this connection can turn into on-court entanglement.

Game vision and role in the attack

At 6'6", Larrea is not a short wicket-keeper, and this changes the way he can organise his attack. He believes that his height helps to put the ball into the open partner for the basket of three or in the player who is at better time in the match.

For the Mavericks fan, the reading is simple: a young point guard with qualified passing and wing body trying to get his team on track. Larrea says that his distribution skills can help Dallas win some games.

Spanish basketball references

Larrea also spoke about the references that shaped him.He cited Ricky Rubio, Jose Calderon and Sergio Rodriguez as goalkeepers he has followed since childhood.

Forward: Macau, American Airlines Center and October 21

The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for an international trip to Macau, where they will play two exhibition games against the Houston Rockets.

Where is the story now?

The current situation is pre-season and adaptation. Larrea is still learning the NBA rhythm, but already arrives with clear references: the speed seen at Valencia, Kyrie Irving's leadership, the partnership with Aldama and the tradition of Spanish shipowners.

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man