The Antônia Cavalcanti Interview (Brazil) (English Version)

July 08, 2023

The Antônia Cavalcanti Interview (Brazil) (English Version)

Name: Antônia Cavalcanti

Hometown: Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil

Height: 5 foot 6 inches America

Position: Point Guard

High School: Winston Salem Christian (NC)

Graduation Class: 2026

Club Name: Associação Adrianinha de Basketball (AADB)

Status: Uncommitted

RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO -- Antônia Cavalcanti de Sá Barreto is a 5-6 Point Guard from Brazil. She's a sophomore transfer at Winston Salem Christian School, who previously played for Associação Adrianinha de Basketball in the Federação Pernambucana de Basquete league. Cavalcanti is one of the rising stars in Brazil, who I was recommended to by teammate and Winston-Salem Christian standout, Sofia Dantas.

The RPN has had a good rep in recruiting international guards, but Cavalcanti brings a whole different fire to my backcourt. The 2026 guard is tough as nails on both sides of the ball as she can breakdown defenders off the dribble, get into the pocket on defense, shoot it from deep, and makes the extra pass to open shooters. Cavalcanti's game is very fine tuned at 15, but let's take time to acknowledge the Brazilian sports scene.

Brazil has some of the best athletes in the world that rarely get mentioned. We always hear about the US, Jamaica, France, Russia, and other worldwide athletes, but Brazil arguably has room to fit in that discussion. Now, while the South American country goes crazy for their soccer, there is a serious youth movement in the Brazilian high school basketball scene right now. Having Cavalcanti for this short period was a blessing during a busy summer. She's a talented player, someone of high character, very well spoken, and has a smile that lights up any room that steps foot in. There is something about international players that helps drive the basketball community, and the 2026 guard has a bright future on her hands. Cavalcanti is on the search for American high schools, but if any coach takes a chance on her, you have a great one coming.

I caught up with the Brazilian guard on growing up in Recife, her offseason, and preparation heading into next season.

Antônia Cavalcanti Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I started playing basketball in June 2018 doing a camp with Adrianinha. It went really well. At camp I realized what I really wanted to do. It was my first contact with basketball, and I fell in love with it. At first it was more fun, but then it became more serious for me and I started to go after my dreams. I started going to Adrianinha's camps and doing specific training."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"I would like to say that my game is organized. I like to defend, shoot threes, drive to the paint, get rebounds, and use my body to score."

How was life growing up in Brazil?

"Very good. I love my country. I love the food, the beach, which is perfect, and I always love being with my friends and family who always support me in everything. In the sports scene, the Brazilian championships are very competitive. Not everyone gets along well as there's a lot of rivalry, but it makes competition more fun."

Being a Brazilian basketball player, it is very rare. In a country dominated by football, players tend to be neglected. In your experience, what does it mean for you to be a Brazilian hooper and the chip you have on your shoulder?

"It's good to be Brazilian. I love to play here. We have a national championship with eight teams per category, so I can play a lot. I play the U16, U18, U20, and the adult. There's one more rivalry even though we don't have as much visibility as basketball deserves. And, being a player in Brazil is a bit difficult, but we have good coaches. Training hard, and playing well, we can evolve and stand out."

How was your past season?

"It was cool. Here it is different, the season starts in January, but I will describe it from August 2022 until today. I'm a point guard on my team, and I play every period of every game. I spend an average of 38 minutes on the court. In September, we participated in the Brazilian School Games, U15 to U17, and we were in fifth place. In October we were the 3-on-3 Brazilian Champions for U15. I was the third leading scorer in the championship. In December, we took third place in the U18 team championship with all states in Brazil participating with the best athletes. In March this year, we were state champions in U15, U17 and U19. I played starting point guard in every category. In April, we played the state school games for U15 to U17, and won for the second consecutive year. I was invited to the training sessions of the Brazilian U16 team, and I am among the 3 point guards in Brazil in my category."

Transferring to a new country comes with many different things to think about. With opportunities, leaving family and discovering new life. How did you discover WSCS and how was the process behind it?

"I discovered WSCS through my agent Bruno França who sent my friend Sofia Dantas there last year. The process was fast. Right after I sent my videos and spoke with the coach, I began the school application process with my agent. After all that, I got accepted, and everything worked out well."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"I usually train very specifically to improve my dribbling and shooting. Everything I learn, I always try to apply in training. I always try to have fun in everything I do to make things lighter."

Who’s your favorite basketball player and why?

"Adrianinha because she was a good point guard who played in Brazil, the United States and Europe. She was also my coach. But, she played a lot!"

What are your expectations for the first American high school basketball season?

"I hope to adapt quickly to the playing style in the United States, and I hope to be able to impose my game and use everything I have been training for every day."

Thank you Antônia for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?

"It doesn't matter if your goal seems far away, stay focused and determined. Believe in your potential even when no one else does. The athlete's journey has many twists and turns, but it is your determination and hard work that will carry you forward. Don't give up on your dream as long as it makes sense because success doesn't come overnight, it is built daily with patience and persistence. Every training, competition, obstacle overcome contributes to your growth as an athlete and as a person. Stay committed to your journey even when the path is difficult and seems endless. Thank you RPN Factory!"