Hector and his girlfriend have a date with a young man and his parents in the Gran Hotel Ciudad in Mexico City. Hector's good seasons in the NBA strongly affect the young Mexican generation of basketball players.
A whole people support Hector in his NBA career, and this young man is also part of it.
16 is the age of choice for everyone, and Hector came to advise him. He came in his father's name to take him to the Mexico City G League team for two seasons.
"Hi, I'm Hector Herrera, a player for the Sacramento Kings. You've seen me on TV before, and I'm in front of you as the ambassador of the Mexico Captains whom my father detains. And she is my wife, Heriberta. ».
Belinda is injured and will miss part of the WNBA season. She is currently in rehabilitation, but nothing prevents her from moving with her husband.
"Hello and delighted, we are the Forte family. My name is Ramón Forte. This is my wife, Carla Forte, and our son Alejandro. »
Alejandro Forte. Here is the name of the talent sought by Hector. Mexico has few representatives in the NBA, and Hector believes Alejandro has the potential to be one.
Il a des intangible qui lui permettent potentiellement d'avoir un avantage sur tout le backcourt. 1,98m ce qui est grand pour un point guard, une wingspan de 2,07. He has the chance to emerge as one of the more versatile defensive weapons in the league, which plays right into his value as a two-way prospect.
However, his offensive abilities are to be developed, but he is an athlete with good creative and dribbling skills.
"Alejandro, what do you wish for your career?" Before persuading parents, persuading the player directly is best. What for? They wouldn't mind staying in Mexico at all. They have grown up and lived there since a young age.
"Play in the NBA and become as strong as you." Alejandro is ambitious and sure of himself. He is not cold in the eyes, but that's what Hector wants. A young person afraid of stranding and growing up in a lake will surely die if thrown into the sea.
"Let's talk between ambitious guys. I will be blunt. The G League is appropriate for you. I was able to identify your character just with your ambition. Why stay in Mexico City instead of going to Ignite. ».
Forte's parents don't know these things. They have indeed received offers from reputable universities such as Gonzaga, UCLA, and Villanova, but staying close to their sons without changing their pace of life would be best for them.
They don't speak English, so that the culture shock would be too much for people their age.
"First, you can stay with your parents while receiving the same salary as at Ignite. Then even though Team Ignite is a development program, they can't focus on just the most talented individual. The Captains will be fully prepared for your progress in all aspects of the game and cannot afford to do it for multiple players now. ».
The reason is obvious. Alejandro is Mexican. Developing local talent and sending it to the NBA is Hector's father's long-term goal.
"The G League is a competitive competition where every player fights for a spot in the NBA. You'll have the advantage of playing with NBA rules. The transition from the NCAA to the NBA can be difficult because the game is different. Keegan has adapted well, but he is only a minority. ».
"You will face and play with older guys. Some have already been in the NBA. As an opponent and teammate, you must know how a pro prepares for two years. You will get ahead, and unlike the others, you will learn to manage the competition, which is an advantage. But you will have progressive playing time and be a starter the second year. ».
Learning about finances and preparing for future interviews with members of the NBA and the media while continuing the school curriculum at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México) is a notion underestimated by players.
"The average G League player is stronger than in the NCAA, which is why the NCAA was never an option for me. Dad, Mom, it's decided. I go to Mexico City. The advantages and the unseemly tell me to stay here. ».
Alejandro is convinced that this is the right choice. Ignite was his first option, but he had to consider his parents. If he can have the same benefits without leaving home, why go?