Granite Hills senior Joel Iniguez takes some time to reflect and think about his basketball career.
Iniguez started playing basketball the summer of his freshman year and he found that he really enjoyed it because of the motivation from his father.
“My dad really pushed me into basketball,” Iniguez. “My biggest influence is my dad. He has really pushed me to be who I am today.”
Iniguez’s career came to an end Saturday. The Grizzlies finished their season, placing second in the Central Section Division V playoffs.
Something Iniguez really enjoys about basketball is the memories that come with it. He appreciates the fact that basketball has granted him a second family and the chance to know who he is playing with.
“An amazing memory is when we just hug each other and say an uplifting speech,” he said. “Coach Luther has really helped me and my teammates.”
As a starting point guard, Iniguez’s role is to keep everyone together and focus on what they should all be doing as a team coherently.
Juggling academics and athletics can be hard at times but he keeps a positive attitude and a tight schedule.
“After school, I go into practice then when that’s over I put all my time into my studies and my homework,” he said.
The type of work the team puts into practice depends on the team they will be going against.
“It really depends on the team we are playing,” Iniguez said. “If it is more of a fast-paced team then we are obviously going to run a lot. Versus a team that mostly focuses on half-court and just defense, it will be defensive practice.”
Aside from skill, Iniguez leaves it up to God to guide him through a game. He finds himself praying often.
A special moment for Iniguez was playing through all the pressure and beating No. 1 seed Exeter in the semifinals.
“Two weeks ago on Friday, we played against Exeter,” he said. “We were down the entire game by three, but we had to stay focused. We came together in a big hug, had a heart-felt speech and we just motivated each other, that the game wasn’t over.”
Not only does he overcome challenges on the court but off the court as well. Iniguez tore his PCL, which extremely affected him because he felt as though his speed and ability started fading away.
“I pushed through it, I worked out,” he said. “I tried to train all the muscles around it so I could overcome that.”
A piece of advice that sticks with him was given to him by his fellow teammate Noah Guidino. This resonates with him especially when they are down in a game.
“Stay focused. Game isn’t over, we have to keep going.”
If he could train with any basketball player in the world it would be Steph Curry. He believes this would help him better his 3s and become an overall better shooter.
After high school, Iniguez plans to just focus on his academic route in hopes of becoming a teacher like both of his parents.
