Álvaro Cárdenas: The Underrated Point Guard
A Unique Journey
Álvaro Cárdenas, born in 2002 in Granada, is striving to carve his niche in the world of basketball, despite an unconventional path. Sitting in the Radisson Blu hotel in Riga, he highlights his unique trajectory, stating, “I have not been through any Spanish team in a lower category, not even the Andalusian one. I have had a very different path, but I believe it can serve as inspiration for other players.” Before his fourth game with the Spanish national team, in which he scored 16 points against Ukraine, Cárdenas showcases his hunger for success, asserting that hard work and sacrifice lead to achievement.
The Mysterious Rise
Physically akin to Ricky Rubio, Cárdenas stands at 1.85 meters and boasts not only talent but also charisma. Last summer, due to a spate of player injuries, coach Sergio Scariolo called him up for preparation games before the Eurobasket. “Before NBA star Dennis Schröder, I did not hesitate,” he recounts of his debut. The anecdote showcases how, despite being overlooked, opportunities arise when one demonstrates perseverance.
Overcoming Adversity
Cárdenas’s background is not without challenges. He recalls his frustrations when not included in a training session with the senior team. “I think I was the only one who didn’t participate,” he admits. Traveling to training games, he found solace in the advice from fellow player Alberto Diaz, who helped ease his nerves.
Following his unexpected rise, he secured a spot in Valencia Basket and was later loaned to Peristeri in Greece. He reflects on the scarcity of interest from Spanish teams: “Honestly, it makes me a little angry,” he shares. “I’m used to being undervalued.” Despite this, Cárdenas believes that playing in Greece—where he racked up 10.1 points and 4.8 assists—has been pivotal for his growth.
Developing Skills Through Family Ties
Cárdenas’s father, David Cárdenas, a coach himself, played a significant role in shaping his skills at the La Zubia club. Despite not immediately standing out, Cárdenas persevered, driven by motivation to prove doubters wrong. “Being under the radar has been like a motivation,” he declares. “I thought: ‘To the people who have doubts, who think I can’t achieve it, I’m going to show them that I’m a great player.’”
Continuous Growth and Future Aspirations
Cárdenas’s journey through a basketball academy in the Czech Republic, followed by a scholarship at the NCAA, played a crucial role in his development. His two years in San José and another in Boise honed his skills, making him a formidable passer with an impressive average of 6.9 assists.
Coach Chus Mateo praises Cárdenas’s determination, emphasizing that his willingness to fight for his position speaks volumes. “He transmits many of the good values of basketball,” Mateo comments, reflecting on Cárdenas’s dedication both defensively and offensively.
As Cárdenas looks forward to the upcoming ACB season, he remains grounded, saying, “If they want me to come back, fine. If they want to give me up again, I’ll be happy too.” His journey continues, underscoring that hard work, resilience, and belief in oneself can indeed carve a shining path in the shadows.