Each week during the school year, the Naples Daily News will select players who stood out from the previous week based on a combination of coaches reports and school nominations sent to sports@naplesnews.com and our own coverage. These athletes will be voted on every Monday on naplesnews.com, and readers can vote for who they think worked the hardest. Winners of the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week voting sponsored by Elevate Home Services will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To learn more about the winners, Naples Daily News will conduct weekly Q&A sessions with each athlete.
The Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services Nov. 18-30 was Palmetto Ridge basketball player Juju Castillo. Castillo received 48.52% of the vote in the five-way race. Castillo, the draft pick, averaged 11.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, helping the Bears to a 3-0 start.
Question: When did you start playing basketball? What attracted you to the sport?
Castillo: I started playing basketball when I was 6 years old, but I didn’t really start playing it until I was about 8 to 10 years old. Ever since I started playing sports, I was drawn into this sport by the influence of my father, who has been my mentor and idol. He taught me almost everything I know and still practice. I am grateful for every moment I spent with him.
What has been the highlight of your basketball career so far?
Castillo: So far, we have a 22-4 record with the same high school team I’ve been on since freshman year, we need to win back-to-back district championships, and we currently have a very good chance for third place. I have -This year it’s Pete.
Do you have any kind of pre-game routine?
Castillo: Usually before a game, I do my usual stretching and warm-up for the first 20 minutes, and then I try to hit as many shots from every spot on the court as I do during the game. Masu. But the most important thing is to listen to music quietly before starting anything.
Are there any U.S. or international basketball players you admire or enjoy watching?
Castillo: I love watching all levels of basketball, mainly because I think college basketball is the most entertaining. If I had to pick a player in particular to keep an eye on, it would probably be Russell Westbrook.
If you weren’t on the basketball court, what sport do you think you would be participating in?
Castillo: To be honest, if I could play any sport other than basketball, I would have loved to play football as a receiver.
