The Philippines is a country known for world-class sports figures like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, kegler Paeng Nepomuceno, runner Lydia De Vega, the magician Efren “Bata” Reyes, weightlifter Haidilyn Diaz, and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire to name a few. These athletes are products of hard work and training that they developed when they were still young. Such is the case of this upcoming basketball star, Filipino- German James Pradella.
Born James Andrew Pradella on October 19, 2001, in Caloocan City, to Mr. Klaus Pradella and Ms. Amy Pradella, the 6-foot-3 Fil-German cager now plays as shooting guard/ small forward for National University Juniors team. His idol in the PBA is his namesake James Yap while in the NBA, he likes Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. His career high is 42 points during the 2017 Got Skills 19 under tournament.
He likes James Yap because he is crafty and still plays at a high level and still competes while in the NBA, he liked Kobe Bryant and one of the reasons he played basketball was because of the Black Mamba. Asked how he manages basketball and studies, “Time Management is the most important thing. You always have to find time for everything you do”, quipped the cager from NU.
His favorite shot is hesitation move because “it always confuses your opponent and it always helps you give space because he will think twice of what I will do when I hesitate”, added James. His hobbies aside from basketball are watching movies and reading books.
With determination and perseverance, these young athletes can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of professional basketball in the near future.
Photos courtesy of Julius Domondon and Hazel Siy.
Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com
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