Leandro Bolmaro and his future in the NBA: “It’s not easy to adapt to a different culture and now I’m better prepared”

When Leandro Bolmaro arrived in Minneapolis in September last year, he was excited about the opportunity to play in the NBA, the Olympus of world basketball. But he didn’t have much shooting with the Timberwolves jersey, because shortly after his arrival the franchise sent him to play in Iowa Wolvesits subsidiary of G-League, with the aim of adding experience. Far from discouraged, the 21-year-old Cordovan took advantage of the opportunitybecame one of the figures of the Development League team and closed out his first season with very good feelings.

“It was a season of many ups and downs, but I learned a lot. It was my first and I knew it would be like that. I was mentally prepared and I know I had to be patient. This year it is important to adapt. and learn, incorporate the style of play and understand the role of my team. And that’s what I did. Next time I think I’ll be better “, he said Clarion from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, where he participates in Basketball Without Borders 2022 (Basketball Without Borders), a campus organized by the NBA and by FIBA and aims to engage young people from Latin America and Canada.

Bolmaro’s relationship with Minnesota began in November 2020, when he was drafted on the 23rd by the New York Knicks in burador and the franchise traded him to the Timberwolves.

Cordovan didn’t get to the NBA right away: he stayed another year on Barcelonawhich he reached in 2018 from Bay Basket. won the League of Spain 2020/21, tournament where he was selected as the “Most Spectacular Player”, and became runner-up in Euroleague. And he ended up convincing the Minneapolis franchise that I’m ready to jump.

In September, he signed a four -year, nearly $ 12 million contract with the Timberwolves. And on Oct. 20, he made his debut in a 124-106 win against Houston, at home, at the start of the regular season. He played less than five minutes into the final quarter and scored two free kicks. But then there was no continuity.

He played in 35 of 82 regular season games. Of the two, he is a starter. He averaged nearly 7 minutes per game, with 1.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists. But more than the low stats in the NBA, Bolmaro ensured that his season has been very positive.

“I was mentally prepared not to play too much. The same thing happened to me in Barcelona, ​​where I played the first year on the B team, in the second I went up and down, and in the third I only started on the first team. And also didn’t add 30 minutes per game, huh. He played a little. So I understand, “he explained.

“It’s a process I started last year from scratch. I think it was a positive season, because it helped me get to know, adapt to the NBA, a different culture, a different country and a different language, which wasn’t easy. But I did now I feel I am better prepared to face next year“, He added.

Outside the round the group is led by Chris Finch, which has Pablo Prigioni as assistant coach, Bolmaro did not waste the minutes he had in the Development League, where he saw action more regularly. With the Iowa jersey he played 11 games and he averaged 32.5 minutes, 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6 assists.

“I got as much juice as possible from the G-League. That’s why I don’t see it as something negative, but as learning. It has helped me a lot to adapt to the style of playing the NBA, which is different from that of basketball in Spain.In addition, I will train a lot and I wanted to try myself to see if I’m doing it right. I did that in Iowa, after starting the season without playing for Minnesota. And when I came in with the Timberwolves, I was more prepared and had experience, because of what I played in the Development League, ”he said.

Happy with all he has grown and learned this season, Bolmaro is excited about the 2022/23 championship, which will begin in mid -October. Although he knew he had to keep working to get his place in Minnesota.

“I haven’t talked to the coach or anyone from the coaching staff, but I feel like they value me so much. They were always available and acted very well on me. Not just them but the whole franchise. I’m happy to be in Minnesota, super fun, learning and practicing with the best, ”he reflects.

And he ended up thinking about the future: “Every day I’ve sacrificed a lot and I’m hoping this person will get a few minutes and start getting into the cycle. Although I know it’s a process and not I will play a lot .. I will gradually go, learn and have more experience. And time will tell. I think, it depends on how everything evolves, what the team needs and what I will do. I can’t control everything; just what is up to me. That’s why I train and I’ll continue during the summer, to make sure I get into the season in the best way. That way, if I get the chance, I’ll be ready. ”

From camper to coach

In 2017 and 2018, Bolmaro was one of the “promises” selected to participate in Basketball Without Borders. Five years later, he returned to campus, but as a coach. Because he was chosen along Chris DuarteIndiana Pacers, and various coaches to share his experience with young players at the 2022 campus, which took place this week in Mexico.

Participants included eight Argentines: Dagmar Hentschel, Juana Amaya, Angelina Giacone, Máximo Lomello Bagna, Valentino Finetti López, Tiago Ignacio Drocezesky, Tiziano Prome and Juan Ignacio Respaud.

“That they noticed me and they chose me to be among the many players in the NBA is a great honor,” Bolmaro said.

“A few years ago, I was on the other side, excited about learning a lot of things. And now I have to see men. It’s something completely different. I shared my experience and answered theirs. questions to dispel their doubts. I taught and learned at the same time, “he said.

And he recounted what was done at camp: “Physical work, specific basketball stations and games. We made a burador and on my team, where I am with a coach, I have two Argentines. They are cool guys and they play well. They have a future. I really enjoy it. “

The Argentine national team, the next goal

Before the 2022/23 NBA season begins, Bolmaro will once again wear the jersey of the Argentine national team, where he played his first tournament last year. It was nothing less than the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team was seventh after losing in the quarterfinals against Australia, the day of Luis Scola’s last game with blue and white.

Cordovan spoke to the coach Nestor “Che” Garcia and that his first goal is the Qualifying window for the 2023 World Cup where Argentina will visit Venezuela on June 30 and Panama on July 3.

“I really want to play those games with the national team. I’m very excited. I had the Olympic Games to have experience and now I’m better prepared. Being a representative of the National Team has always been a great honor and joy, ” he says.

From September 2 to 11, the winner will be defeated AmeriCup in Brasilia and Recife (Brazil), where they will join Group B along with the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“Let’s see if I play that tournament too. It’s the coach’s decision,” he says between laughs. “I’m available, happy and excited. Having the chance to play it is another of my goals.”

HS