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At just 16 years old, the Havana native Oreste Torres De la Rúa has already achieved one of the greatest dreams for any young athlete: to debut in the First Division of basketball, although this time from Argentina.
He arrived just eight months ago in the city of San Francisco, in the province of Córdoba, to join the Club El Tala, and in a short time, he has become one of the promising talents that sparks hope beyond the island.
The Cuban teenager, standing at 1.91 meters tall, trains and competes in the U17 category, but his talent and discipline quickly led him to debut in the club's first division, a key step in his budding sports career.
According to an interview with the Argentine newspaper El Periódico, the young man was trained in Cuba, where he was recognized as one of the five most outstanding players in the national tournament before embarking on his journey south.
Family heritage
Oreste carries a passion for basketball in his blood. He is the son of Oreste Torres Quiroz, a former player of the Cuban national team, who accompanies him in Argentina and has shared his experiences with the athletes of the Córdoba club.
In an event held in January, Club El Tala highlighted how the former basketball player gave a talk about his professional career and received recognition from the board.
“Since I was young, I experienced basketball at home through my father's involvement with the club and the national team, and that inspired me to pursue that path,” the young man confessed to El Periódico, proud of his father's influence.
A new life in San Francisco
Beyond sports, the immigration experience has had a profound impact on Oreste. The tranquility, order, and cleanliness of the city struck him from his very first day. He has also had to adapt to a different school system and a style of play that is more physical and intense than the Cuban one.
“Here, the ball is defended much more. It is very different”, he explained, emphasizing that he aims to emulate figures like Leandro Vildoza, captain of Instituto de Córdoba.
The path has not been easy: demanding training, distance from his homeland, and the challenge of carving out a place in competitive basketball. But the young player asserts that every minute on the court is an opportunity for growth.
"I strive to continue improving as a player and as a person," he said.
Pride inside and outside the island
His debut in the First Division has filled his parents and the Cuban community that closely follows his career with pride. “They know that ever since I was little, I've always wanted to play basketball, and seeing that I'm doing so well in another country makes them very proud of my efforts,” the Havana native remarked.
At just 16 years old, Oreste Torres De la Rúa not only represents the future of Cuban basketball abroad but also embodies the story of a teenager who, through sacrifice and family legacy, is beginning to carve out his own path.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oreste Torres De la Rúa's debut in Argentine basketball
Who is Oreste Torres De la Rúa and why is his debut in Argentina significant?
Oreste Torres De la Rúa is a young talent in Cuban basketball, just 16 years old, who has made his debut in the First Division of Argentine basketball with Club El Tala. His debut is significant as it represents the promise of Cuban basketball abroad and is marked by his talent and discipline, quickly earning a spot in the club's first division. His story also highlights the impact of family heritage, as his father was a former player for the Cuban national team.
How has Oreste Torres adapted to his new life in Argentina?
The adaptation of Oreste Torres to Argentina has been a process that has involved many changes. He has had to adjust to a different school system and a more physical and intense playing style than the Cuban one. However, he emphasizes the tranquility and order he found in the city of San Francisco, Córdoba. Despite the distance from his homeland and the demanding training, Oreste takes advantage of every opportunity to improve as a player and as a person.
What influence has Oreste Torres's family had on his sports career?
The family of Oreste Torres has had a significant influence on his career. His father, Oreste Torres Quiroz, was a player for the Cuban national team and has shared his sports experiences with his son. This influence has been fundamental for Oreste, who grew up surrounded by basketball at home and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, which led him to become a rising star in basketball in Argentina.
What is the impact of Oreste Torres De la Rúa on the Cuban community and international basketball?
The impact of Oreste Torres De la Rúa on the Cuban community and international basketball is significant. His success in Argentina has filled his parents and the Cuban community with pride, who closely follow his career. He serves as an inspiration for other young Cuban talents seeking to succeed in international sports, and his story highlights the challenges and sacrifices involved in the journey toward recognition outside of Cuba.
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