West Orange Times & Observer: Sports Spotlight — Nicolas Silva

At 6-foot-7, it’s hard to miss CFCA senior Nicolas Silva on the basketball court. Silva is in his first and only year as a member of the school’s basketball team, and the Brazilian already is making an impact for head coach Andrew Gustafson at the wing position.

When did you first get into basketball?

My dad was a basketball player in Brazil, so I was raised on basketball courts. My first contact with a basketball was when I was 5.

What has kept you in this sport for so long?

What I love most is the competition — I love playing and competing. In basketball, if you don’t work out, your opponent will be working out, and if you’re not getting ready, then you can’t compete against them.

What’s the most challenging part of playing at the wing? Your favorite part?

The most challenging part is defending people, because usually the players I play against are way shorter than me and quicker. What I like is that I always get the ball — I’m always open for shots. I love shooting.

You’re originally from Brazil, so what would you say has been the biggest challenge for you playing here in the United States?

I moved here two years ago — it was a different game style and game speed. Getting used to the speed of the game and the athleticism of the players was the hardest thing for me. We play a slower way — like running plays European style — in Brazil.

How have things been your first year at CFCA?

Everyone here welcomed me with open arms — coach Andrew (Gustafson) and all of my teammates always included me in everything.

What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at CFCA?

We’re a family — coach Andrew cares a lot about us, and coach Caio, too. We’re a big family, and that’s what I like most about our team.

Since you started playing basketball, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in your game?

I’ve learned a lot. I’m more of a solo person, but when I get to play basketball and understand that basketball is not a one-on-one game, and you need other people and you have to work on teamwork to win games — that’s what basketball has taught me the most.

Has there been a highlight moment for you so far at CFCA?

For sure, the win against Ocoee where Riley (Kugel) hit the game winner — that was crazy.

What were your expectations coming into your first at CFCA?

I know some of the players — Riley, Jajuan — and I knew that we would have a good team. My expectation is to win states in my last year — that’s the goal.

When you’re not playing basketball or doing school work, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I like to hangout with my friends and watch Netflix — that’s the two things I do the most when I’m not playing basketball. Right now on Netflix I just finished “Breaking Bad” again, and I was watching “The Flash.”