Local makes good on professional dreams

Galliano native Ian Gonzales said he remembers writing essays in school about how bad he wanted to be a professional basketball player.

But because he stands well below 6-feet, Gonzales always wondered if it would ever become a reality.

“My essays in high school were always about basketball,” Gonzales said with a laugh. “This has always been my dream. It’s been what I’ve wanted to do for my entire life.”

Through hard work, determination and lots of blood, sweat and tears, Gonzales made his dream come true.

And now, he wants to be an inspiration to others in the same shoes.

Gonzales has been playing professional basketball in Mexico for the past several months, and he recently signed a contract with Caballeros – a team in Sinaloa. The team is in the Mexico’s best professional league, and Gonzales is the team’s point guard – what he said is proof that great things happen to those who don’t take no for an answer.

“For me, size was always an issue,” Gonzales said. “If you stick to something and perfect what you’re best at, you become unstoppable at certain things, and that makes you tough to guard. But I can honestly say that I never thought I would make it. I didn’t. I am so grateful to be at this level.”

For Gonzales, he peaked at a late age.

He said he started playing basketball in Iddy Biddy, but never was considered a standout or superstar player.

Gonzales got to South Lafourche High School and was never a top-tier guy. He never was an All-State player or even an All-District player. Because of that, he didn’t get any offers to play college basketball.

He, instead, enrolled at Nicholls as a regular student.

But Gonzales kept working.

Gonzales said that he worked tirelessly in the gym throughout college, always wanting to stay polished.

He said he wasn’t doing that to be ready for any type of professional gig, but he just wanted to be the best overall player that he could be.

Gonzales said he played in countless recreational leagues around the state and met so many people who inspired him to continue forward with the sport.

The professional opportunity happened out of the blue.

Gonzales said he was offered a chance to play in Mexico, which he accepted. From there, he’s been steadily working his way up the ladder – gradually building to where he is now.

The key, he said, was those nights in the gym.

“I had to work so hard,” Gonzales said. “I had to work on quickness and on my game all-around. In pro leagues, if you can’t create your own shot, you won’t cut it. I had to work on getting off my shot quicker. As for the weight room, I hit a little bench press and curls, but I tend to hit the Olympic workouts pretty hard…. I’ve had 200-pound guys guard me, and I’ve been able to get and-one layups. Those workouts are the reason why.”

And now, Gonzales said he’s not finished dreaming.

The local guard said he wants to parlay his success in Mexico to more reputable leagues.

He said that his ultimate dream is to play in Europe – the country where a lot of the big-time money is made.

Gonzales said he believes that he can make that a reality if he continues to work hard and get better – one day at a time.

After all, he never thought he’d get this far, so why stop pushing now?

He said he wants his story to show all high school children that anything is possible with hard work and grit.

“For all the kids who don’t get playing time in high school or who get overlooked, don’t ever give up,” Gonzales said. “It’s all about your heart and your hunger for the game. It’s tough when there’s a million other kids around the states wanting to do the same thing as you, but if you put in the work, someone will notice and you will get to where you want to be.”

Galliano native Ian Gonzales runs down the court during a practice In Mexico. Gonzales said he never thought he’d be a pro, but he wants his story to Inspire others who are In his shoes.

COURTESY