Meet Ethan Akparanta

Meet Basketball Player Ethan Akparanta

Ethan started playing basketball at the age of 8 as a quick after school hobby which later led to him representing Scotland!

What inspired you to take up your sport?

I saw my dad playing and it looked really fun so I decided to try.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

I started basketball at Grampian Flyers.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

My biggest challenge has been my height, up until about age 11 I was extremely tall for my age but something changed and now I am no longer very tall so I have had to adapt my playstyle a lot to make up for this.

What are your goals for the coming year?

My goal for the upcoming year is to try and win the division two under 16 league with ABC.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

My training program involves basketball training 4 days a week as well as playing at home and games on Saturdays this means less social time with friends and less time to focus on school but I'm making it work.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

My determination and my spatial awareness.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

Hundreds maybe thousands over my life.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

I use it as fuel/motivation to work harder and catch back up.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Kobe Bryant.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Playing for Scotland and beating Ireland for the first time in 11 years.

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

I just think about how much I can improve.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Don't worry if you move up to the next level and suddenly people are better than you, you will adjust and catch up.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

It will help me access gyms to get stronger as well as help me access basketball courts to train when I don't have training on.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Instagram @aberdeenbasketball