Sergio Mijares: “We are in the final and finals are for winning” (+Photos)

When the semifinals of the Chilean National Basketball League (LNB Chile) began between Leones de Quilpué and Universidad de Concepción (UDEC), the pain in the right hand of point guard Sergio Mijares (Miranda, 1997) was becoming unbearable. The preliminary diagnosis was devastating: detachment of the thumb ligament.

“I had a very bad time emotionally, I questioned many things,” the Barlovento native confessed. “I felt discarded because, in addition to not being able to play, which is what I like, I mightn’t help my teammates. It was terrible.”

For Mijares, the relationship with his teammates transcended the fact of defending the same colours and that is why he felt so affected. “They are my friends, and perhaps that is why I adapted so easily to the team,” in this, his first season with the felines.

Kinesiological treatment and a second diagnosis enabled him to return to action. “I have to have surgery, but while I wait, I play. I confess that I am ‘showing off’ because I am in pain, but being able to play, being with my teammates, being useful, helping… It is very satisfying, I enjoy it a lot.”

A key piece

The Mirandino was key for the felines to beat Campanil, also from Barlovento, Carlos Milano, in five games, in a series that repeated the last two finals of the circuit; thanks to averages of 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and a solid defensive performance once morest the Chilean internationals Sebastián Carrasco and Diego Silva. In addition, he was the Most Valuable Player in the fourth game of the series.

“We always kept in mind that we were facing the current champion and that always forces you to give that extra bit. We stayed true to our core, even in the bad moments we had in the series like the loss (through injury) of our bell-ringer Bradon (Peterson).”

• The final starts next Saturday. How do you see it?
• It’s going to be difficult. (Spanish for) Osorno has very good players and they were the ones who finished the regular round in the best shape. In addition, they won their series very solidly. We are focused, we have very experienced teammates, everyone knows what they have to do to come out victorious.
• It’s not easy to reach a finalist team, one of the strongest in the League, with players who represent their national team, with a demanding European coaching staff. Why did you adapt so easily?
• I consider myself a fighter and since I arrived here, that’s what they stressed to me, that I had to fight. Also, I consider my teammates my friends and the important thing is to be attentive to know what the team needs at any given moment and try to contribute. Whenever the coaching staff needs me, I’ll be there.

• What a great season!
• We are in the final, which was our goal, and finals are won, so we are not finished. For me it is a dream to be here, with my teammates, with the coaching staff that always bets on the best and brings out the best in everyone, doing what I like, in the season in which I graduated (kinesiologist graduated from the University of the Americas)… There are many feelings.

More quotes from the basketball player

• In addition to eliminating the champion, you eliminated your fellow countryman Milano.
• Meeting “Hallaca” (Carlos Milano) here in Chile, a few years ago, was a blessing. We try to give our best, each one for his team. Since then we have always been in contact, he has always been attentive to me and facing him, the fact that we are both raising Barlovento to the top, is a great satisfaction.

Mijares interrupts the conversation and says goodbye to go to his graduation ceremony, receive his university degree and celebrate. “The best is yet to come.”

Santiago de Chile / Leon Aguilar