Sosa covets leading role for Breakers
Edgar Sosa knows he can’t take long to settle into the Breakers system.
But if the way he has taken to life in New Zealand is any indication, the Kiwi franchise’s new star import will have the offence firing in no time.
One of two new imports alongside fellow American DJ Newbill, the well-travelled point guard has shown flashes of his potential in the opening two games of the Australian NBL season without setting the world on fire.
It is not all about the numbers, though, and playing in such an integral position Sosa wants to make his presence felt both on and off the court.
‘‘With my experience and my age, I feel that it’s my duty to lead, especially being the point guard. But I think we have a lot of good leaders on this team,’’ Sosa told Stuff.
‘‘I want to show leadership through example. Work hard every day, be a good person in the community and to my teammates, always show up on time, be a person of integrity and respect. That’s what I pride myself on and that’s what I try and do every day.’’
Indeed, one of the appealing factors for Breakers coach Paul Henare when signing Sosa was his experience.
Since completing his college career at Louisville, Sosa has spent the last seven years clocking up thousands of air miles playing in leagues around the world, including Italy, Spain, Puerto Rico, Iran and Lebanon, as well as stints in the NBA summer league.
He is no stranger to success, having won titles in different countries in each of the last three years, while his travels have also left him with plenty of wild experiences.
The 29-year-old, whose Dominican heritage has seen him represent the Caribbean island on the international stage, has loved everyone minute of it.
‘‘Growing up the NBA is the goal for every basketball player who takes the game seriously.
‘‘But I’ve been blessed to be travelling the world, seeing different places, different cultures and that’s something I’ll take with me when my career’s over.’’
Sosa scored 15 points in the opening defeat to Cairns before a quiet night during Friday’s last-gasp win over Sydney, with just three points and one assist.
Yet he is confident the team harmony they are building behind the scenes will have them clicking soon enough.
‘‘I think we’re working towards the right direction. The good thing about our team is we all want to do it as a collective. We all lean on one another in the good and the bad times.’’