San Antonio College basketball player Christian Andres Estebane came from El Paso to pursue education and basketball, leaving family and friends behind to follow his goals. In March, Estebane and SAC’s men’s basketball team won the Texas Collegiate Athletic Conference championship at Trinity University’s William H. Bell Athletic Center.
The Armadillos edged out the Northwest Vista Wildcats 76-73 March 23 to close out an otherwise dominant run through the playoffs. Estebane, SAC’s starting point guard, played well and forced a key turnover in the last minute of the game. The Armadillos were locked in at the end of their season, winning their last three regular season games and trouncing their first two playoff opponents before taking down the Wildcats in the championship.
Estebane told The Sundial he’s had a passion for basketball since seventh grade. He also played football, but a former coach and mentor saw the potential to play basketball at San Antonio College.
Estebane’s coach in El Paso recommended SAC basketball coach Jimmy Alcala let Estebane try out for the Armadillos’ team. He tried out with 15 other candidates, earning a spot on the team and a scholarship to attend SAC.
“I spend a lot of my time focused in the gym, aside from practicing with the team five to six days a week during the season,” he told The Sundial. “I dedicate my time to practicing to be an outstanding player. My goal is to make it to the Division II men’s basketball level.”
“Estebane is very respectful and has great leadership qualities,” Alcala told The Sundial. “Throughout the season, I saw his commitment and discipline in both his education and to the team … I believe he has the skills to advance as an athlete. He has the potential and the commitment.”
Estebane said his motivation and drive for success comes from his mother and his faith. He and his mother are very close, and she encourages everything he wants to do.
The 20-year-old said he wants to own and run his own businesses someday. His entrepreneurial dreams started in high school. He liked getting his hair cut, and after getting some clippers of his own, he started practicing his barber skills on friends. Now he has his own side business, cutting hair.
“I plan to open my own barbershop one day,” he said. “I have plans for more businesses too.”
As a child, Estebane attended church regularly with his grandfather, and his Christian faith remains a strong part of his identity. He has nine tattoos on his left arm, which he says tell the story of the trials he has faced in his faith. He plans to get more.
Estebane studies Kinesiology at SAC, and health and fitness are huge parts of his lifestyle. Once he graduates, he plans to leave Texas and continue his education in New York. He said he’s always wanted to experience the busy, exciting lifestyle there.
Estebane’s said he loves cooking, listening to R&B and Rap music, walking his husky named Aries, and spending time with friends.
“I dream of doing all of my favorite hobbies in Key West, Florida,” he said.
Estebane also enjoys spending time with his friends and seven siblings. Eli Monteagudo, who also plays point guard for SAC, is Estebane’s close friend.
“He’s a great friend and leader,” Monteagudo told The Sundial. “He is always making everyone laugh, and he’s a great person to be around. He is very hard working, both in and outside of the game.”
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