There has always been connection between CBA Gran Canaria and Dutch players. Spanish academy educated and raised many prospects from this country including national team star – Charlon Kloof. As a result since 2014 BC Apollo Amsterdam has copied famous development program and participates under the new name.
Tristan Enaruna definitely seems to have a chance of becoming the flagship product of this cooperation and be mentioned as an example similarly to Kloof in few years.
“It feels good to be here. I’m going into my 4th season now and even though competition level is not that great, I still feel that I’m able to improve every time I step on the court. We practice 4 times a week as a team. And then I often just take some spare time to go shoot around at a courts close to my house.”
Very athletic forward who possess relentless motor established himself as a one of the most intriguing long term prospects of 2001 generation in Europe. How did that come about in the country where basketball is not a first choice?
“I’ve always been a sporting type person and I did many different sports but every time after a short period I just stopped liking to do them and quitted. Then I started basketball which I also wanted to resign from after my first season but my mom told me to keep going and suddenly I started to enjoy it. I was about 12 years old when I started to take it as something serious and not just only for fun anymore but also making a future out of it.”
Natural effect of being considered great talent is the attention and invitations for highly prestigious events. It is no different in Tristan case as he attended Adidas Eurocamp current month.
“My experience at the Eurocamp was really good. I already knew a few guys there so it was nice to see them again. The camp was well organized and the facilities were good too.”
It could be even better encounter if it ended up with selection for The Path in Los Angeles.
“I had to play interior positions a lot. I’m outside-based and playing inside made it very difficult for me to get comfortable in my game which caused me not being able to show my 100% best. I think that’s probably one of the reasons why I didn’t got picked to go to LA. Despite that I had a great time over there”
Only six player have the honor to practise in United States alongside Top American prospects. Does Enaruna feel like he belongs to this elite group?
“I would definitely rank myself at #1, not to be cocky but because I know what I’m capable of on the basketball court.”
Tristan will most likely choose college route to continue his career. Recently he missed tremendous exposure opportunity during Jordan Brand Classic global showcase which he was picked for but could not participate because of broken finger. However he already visited New York from basketball purposes:
“I’ve had a trip to the states organized by my club where we played some prep schools from different places and visited a few colleges. There is another trip planned as well in November which I’m probably going to be part of.”
But before that we are going to have summer which doesn’t mean off season at all.
“My plans for upcoming months are of course to keep improving. Very important thing for me at the moment is getting stronger physically. I’m also participating in the European Championships with the U16 national team. I believe our team is good enough to show some good basketball this year and personally I hope that I’ll be able to put up some nice numbers at the tournament and be there for my teammates.”
Big performance by young dutch player will not surprise anyone as well as high major scholarship offers which will most likely show up next seasons.
