Interview with Adrian Valderrama: Filipino NCAA Mens Basketball Player

From the tan bark to the hardwood, I have known this deadly sharp shooter since I was 5 years old. On the court he has ice in his veins, but he is one of the nicest guys I know.

Adrian Valderrama has a calm demeanor on the sideline coaching his teammates on what they can improve on. He doesn’t yell, not curse his teammates out. He simply says, “Keep doin' what you’re doin'.” He gives tips for defense and creates plays for others. A true point guard.

From playing jungle ball to starting point guard at Dominican University, Valderrama has grown much from rockin' that St. Victor’s uniform. And here is my interview with the former Penguin.

During your college experience, what schools did you play at?

"I played at De Anza Junior College for two years, the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. I then transferred to Dominican University where I played for two years, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009."

What position did you play and what was your role on each team?

"At both De Anza and Dominican I played point guard all four years. As a point guard I was asked to be a leader on the court and be an extension of the coach. My goal while playing basketball was to be a player that made all the players around him better. When it came to practice I always tried my best to bring leadership and unselfishness to the team."

Growing up, where else did you play? Please include youth leagues and middle school & high school.

"Growing up I started playing basketball for the Berryessa Community Center Sports League until I was old enough to play for my school team. In the 5th grade I began to play for St. Victor's where I played until the 8th grade. For High School I attended Piedmont Hills where I played my first two years on the Junior Varsity and my junior and senior year on Varsity."

For people who do not know you, what nationality are you?

"I am half Filipino and half Portuguese."

Did you ever feel disadvantaged when playing bigger guards?

As a smaller guard I always felt that height was the one thing that I could never change in my game. I would feel disadvantaged at times when teams would put a bigger defender on me to guard me but it was something that I became accustomed to.

What skills did you use to your advantage against the guy guarding you?

Although I was small I felt that I had quickness over my opponents. A lot of times I would try to outsmart my opponents by looking at tendencies in there games and use that to my advantage.

What is your most memorable basketball moment?

My sophomore year at De Anza College I hit the game winning three pointer versus Cabrillo College.

So, what was your major in college?

I got my B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.

What are your plans for after college?

I am looking to take a year off of school and go back and get my Masters. I also hope to start coaching basketball at the Collegiate level at a school in the Bay Area.

For all us 5'8 Filipinos, Adrian has given Filipinos hope to play in the college level someday. Adrian is one of many who have opened up the doors to the Asian Community to play at the collegiate level. He has excelled at the sport he loves and has graduated from school. He is someone to look up to for our younger generation.