Get to Know You: Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente
Freshman forward Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente is joining the Denver men's basketball team in 2021-22 following his international play in Spain. Lopez brings outside shooting range and a passing touch along with a high basketball IQ.
 
Q&A with Lopez-Sanvicente
Why DU?
I chose DU because it has an athletic program that I loved, the team and staff have great chemistry with each other and academically it is a great university.

What made you fall in love with the game of basketball?
What has made me fall in love with basketball is watching it since I was a kid. My father played on weekends with an amateur team and I went to watch him. It didn't really catch my attention until one game when they were losing with a little time left and my father played a great game and they came back. From that moment on, I wanted to be like my father and I started to fall in love little by little and to live basketball as the most important thing in my life.

When did you know you could play at the Division I level?
The NCAA is a competition I've followed with my friends since I was a kid (especially March Madness). I always wanted to try to play in the United States and when I reached my junior year, my lifelong coach told me that I was ready to make the jump to the States and that I had the level to play in an NCAA Division I.
 
What is your favorite basketball moment?
I haven't had a more special moment than any other. It is true that I have the best memories of defending my country's jersey and reaching the final of the national championship with my lifelong teammates. Among the best moments has always been the emotion of my parents watching every game and traveling to see me.
 
Have any of your family members played collegiate or professional sports and what team/position did they play?
No, my Father started playing as a junior and then continued as an amateur. So did my three uncles who played in high school in the USA.
 
Growing up playing basketball, who had the most influence on the development of your game?
My parents and my first coach that I had for six years have always been my first influence. They have always been behind me trying to get the best out of me, to make me work, have a work ethic and not be a conformist athlete. I owe them everything, what they have helped me with is reason to be grateful for life. For me this is more important than improving my basketball skills, because without effort and work ethic there is nothing else.

Who was your favorite basketball player and team growing up and why?
I have had many references throughout my life in basketball like Kobe, Gasol, Teodosić, Bogdanović, Paul George. But my favorite player without a doubt is the LeBron. For his way of leading, working and for his way of being, he is for me the best player in the world. He is a great athlete and doesn't stop progressing and learning over the years.

Describe your style of play and how it affects the game?
I always try to be the best version of me in every game, scoring, assisting, and defending. I always go to win, and it shows in my character. I know the game very well and I can make the team play in the best possible way.

What really excites you about coming to DU?
DU is a great university, it is very well recognized, and I think I fit in very well both academically and athletically. I am excited about the new group of players and the new project of the technical staff that seems very promising.

What does the a basketball family look like to you?
A basketball family is a group that is always together, supportive and caring for each other. Both on and off the court, they are a team and want the best for each other. They try to get the best out of their teammates by training at the highest level and helping each other in what they do best. Chemistry is what makes the difference between a normal team and a family.

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