Have you ever turned on the TV to watch your role models sing your favorite songs, play your favorite sport, or even act in a big movie? Nathaniel Arias knew basketball was his calling. Watching all these big time hoopers just having fun and playing the game they love. He knew this sport was special. Nathaniel Arias, a four year basketball player at East Leyden High School, shares his story on how NBA players have helped him view the game on a whole other level. Nathaniel at the age of 8 years old knew he was in love with basketball. Nathaniel Arias always reflected his game on big hoopers, not just physically but mentally. Nathaniel’s biggest problem was being mentally strong after having so many injuries. His story is not just about basketball, but about mental toughness, and growth through setbacks. Nathaniel shares what made him fall in love with the game of basketball, “Watching the NBA, seeing my favorite players hoop like it’s their last day on earth, hooping like they got nothing to lose, that’s what really made me love basketball.” Nathaniel mentions who he has looked up to throughout his basketball career,“Russell Westbrook is my favorite NBA player, I love his hustle, the way he is so aggressive on the court, how athletic he is, and how humble he is on and off the court.” Nathaniel shares what has challenged him the most, “Being injured is the hardest part,I’ve been injured countless times throughout the years, and it’s always bad when it happens, but the bounce back is always the greatest part.” It can be so easy to just give up, but he doesn’t. Nathaniel shares an injury he has faced, “Last year I had a chest problem with stuff going on inside my immune system. It really built my strength and helped me become more aggressive this year.” When he thought he was done with his injuries, it so happens he got injured again this season, “I sprained my ankle pretty badly, and I’ve been out for around a week. Next week I should be back, and that’s where greatness comes in.” Nathaniel reflects on his injuries and realizes that, “Mentally tough is really the greatest bounce back, you can go into a depression, and it really ruins who you are on and off the court.” Nathaniel never showed signs of shutting down or giving up. Instead, Nathaniel holds a huge goal for himself, “I plan to commit to a college hopefully by the end of the season, and if not by the end of the year.”