The Chilean passes through the microphones of the TBS press department and narrates a bit of his life, as well as his young but very promising career in basketball. Already at his country, having returned the vast majority of our international boys after the season stoppage because of Covid-19, Ansaldo eagerly awaits the quarantine while preparing for the next season.

Ignacio Ansaldo beginnings with basketball? At what age?

I start by playing basketball in workshops at school, and I liked it. Then I joined a team nearby my commune and little by little I took things more seriously, in October 2017 approximately. Later in 2018 I was called to the trials of the U-15 national team from Chile. I made the team, and I went to the South American FIBA U-15 Championships.

We know that Chile is more of a soccer country. Have you practiced it too? How is your talent playing that sport?

Chile is not seen as so much a powerhouse as in other sports. When I was little I played soccer, but it was not something I liked to do; I did it just because I saw my cousins ​​or friends playing it and just for fun.

Your country is in frank ascent to the FIBA ​​level, in men and women with individual South American championships in different categories ...

In Chile we have very good players who could go very far if they set their mind to it. There is a lot of talent in neighborhoods that are not seen, and I am very happy that little by little the level is rising in Chile both in teams and in the national team. It is something that motivates us to keep doing it and always try to improve it more.

What do you think of the decision to come to Spain to finish your development as a prospect?

It was a good decision overall since we are playing in a good competition, and I can develop better than in Chile.

For those who have not seen you play yet, how would you describe yourself on the court? Do you strengthen your style of play? Weaknesses to improve?

I like to describe myself a lot for my strength and jumping ability on the court. As for weakness to improve, there are mentally many things, I feel that it is very easy to miss game reads or situations. I have everything to improve, you never stop learning or improving things.

Compare the difference in level of play, what things you analyze, of basketball in Spain compared to Chile.

In Chile basketball is a much more of an amateur game. In contrast, in Spain there is much more commitment to the game, the level of Spain is much higher than Chile.

This year has been exceptional in every way. Covid-19 is the headline when it comes to talking about 2020. How have you been through these hard times? What learning can you take from this situation worldwide?

In this situation we have to be mature because we cannot stop training any day if you want to start well the next season. It is a pity that it could the final part of last season could not be played, but another one comes now that has to be superior to the previous one.

Short-term and long-term ambition? How do you see yourself as a player in 5 years?

At the moment I am not thinking about what may happen next, I want to focus on the day to day.

Would you like to go to university, or dedicate yourself to being a professional in a club? If first, what would you like to study and why?

I would very much like to get to play for a professional club. I think it is a goal that I want to achieve, and also keep playing professionally.

Ansaldo off the court: hobbies outside of basketball?

Outside the courts I really like going out to know different things. Train my physique, and also enjoy my family.