California State University Northridge Athletics
One on One with Former Matador Michael Lizarraga
7/31/2015 12:43:00 PM | General
Northridge, CA -
Former CSUN men's basketball forward Michael Lizarraga has been busy since completing his playing time with the Matadors in 2012. A five-year player at CSUN, Lizarraga earned the distinction of being the only Deaf men's basketball student-athlete in the nation during his career. He is also believed to have been the first Deaf student-athlete to compete in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, taking the court in the final minutes against the Memphis Tigers in 2009.
Since leaving the Valley, Lizarraga has established himself at the professional level in Mexico and recently competed with the USA Deaf Men's Basketball Team at the 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Taiwan and was named to the tournament's Best Five team. GoMatadors.com recently caught up with Lizarraga, who shared his thoughts on life as a professional basketball player and his goals moving forward.
1. Fans have been excited to follow your progress professionally. How was your season in Mexico this year?
This year I started with the Titanicos De Leon (Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional - LNBP), but they were not the best fit for me. Halfway through the season, on a recommendation from my agent, I left and went to work for the Dorados De Chihuahua (Chihuahua League). It was the best move ever, as our team became one family and we took the championship!
2. What were your stats this season?
I try not to get caught up in stats, as they do not always show the truth. I was chosen for the All Star team and really enjoyed being recognized for my playing ability. The Dorados took the championship and that was awesome!!!
3. How was the transition from DI basketball in the US to pro ball in Mexico?
I have only played for the Dorados just this past season. However, I have just completed my third professional year of basketball in Mexico. Pro ball in Mexico is a much more physical game than DI. I have also noticed that because we (the team) live together, eat together and practice together on a daily basis, we build a strong trust and family bond.
4. What do you do in the offseason? What do you like to do during downtime when you are in season?
I love playing video games! I also enjoy being able to travel to different towns. I try to work (play) in two different leagues every year, so that leaves me only about two months of free time.
5. Since leaving CSUN, what has been your biggest goal?
I love to inspire others. I am very appreciative of who I am and who I have become. I have been very blessed! I would like to make some donations that benefit basketball and kids.
6. How did you get involved with USA Deaf Men's Basketball?
I have always been involved with the Deaf Community. I am proud to be Deaf. The USA Deaf Men's Basketball team has asked me in the past to be part of their team, but my schedule has never allowed me to do so. When I realized this was going to work out, I jumped at the chance.
7. Please describe the Deaf World Basketball Championship event and what it meant to you to compete for Team USA.
This was a first-time experience for me. We brought home the silver and that was a bit disappointing for me, but the experience of meeting other Deaf players from other countries was awesome! I have made new friends and look forward to competing again!
8. At CSUN, in the Deaf community and back home in Dixon you are seen as a role model. How do you feel about this and does it influence how you prepare every day?
My parents raised me to stay humble and appreciate my life. I do my best to follow that. When I return to any of the communities, the love that is shown to me encourages me to be a better human being in all aspects of life.
9. What message or advice do you have for the next generation of athletes that want to realize their dreams?
My favorite saying is, "Don't tell me I can't because I will!" My parents have always encouraged both my sister and I to go after our dreams. There will always be people that will tell you you're not good enough, but do not allow those critics in your head. Always stay true to yourself and follow your dreams.
An extended photo gallery from Lizarraga's professional career in Mexico and with USA Deaf Men's Basketball can be found by clicking here.
Former CSUN men's basketball forward Michael Lizarraga has been busy since completing his playing time with the Matadors in 2012. A five-year player at CSUN, Lizarraga earned the distinction of being the only Deaf men's basketball student-athlete in the nation during his career. He is also believed to have been the first Deaf student-athlete to compete in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, taking the court in the final minutes against the Memphis Tigers in 2009.
Since leaving the Valley, Lizarraga has established himself at the professional level in Mexico and recently competed with the USA Deaf Men's Basketball Team at the 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Taiwan and was named to the tournament's Best Five team. GoMatadors.com recently caught up with Lizarraga, who shared his thoughts on life as a professional basketball player and his goals moving forward.
1. Fans have been excited to follow your progress professionally. How was your season in Mexico this year?
This year I started with the Titanicos De Leon (Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional - LNBP), but they were not the best fit for me. Halfway through the season, on a recommendation from my agent, I left and went to work for the Dorados De Chihuahua (Chihuahua League). It was the best move ever, as our team became one family and we took the championship!
2. What were your stats this season?
I try not to get caught up in stats, as they do not always show the truth. I was chosen for the All Star team and really enjoyed being recognized for my playing ability. The Dorados took the championship and that was awesome!!!
3. How was the transition from DI basketball in the US to pro ball in Mexico?
I have only played for the Dorados just this past season. However, I have just completed my third professional year of basketball in Mexico. Pro ball in Mexico is a much more physical game than DI. I have also noticed that because we (the team) live together, eat together and practice together on a daily basis, we build a strong trust and family bond.
4. What do you do in the offseason? What do you like to do during downtime when you are in season?
I love playing video games! I also enjoy being able to travel to different towns. I try to work (play) in two different leagues every year, so that leaves me only about two months of free time.
5. Since leaving CSUN, what has been your biggest goal?
I love to inspire others. I am very appreciative of who I am and who I have become. I have been very blessed! I would like to make some donations that benefit basketball and kids.
6. How did you get involved with USA Deaf Men's Basketball?
I have always been involved with the Deaf Community. I am proud to be Deaf. The USA Deaf Men's Basketball team has asked me in the past to be part of their team, but my schedule has never allowed me to do so. When I realized this was going to work out, I jumped at the chance.
7. Please describe the Deaf World Basketball Championship event and what it meant to you to compete for Team USA.
This was a first-time experience for me. We brought home the silver and that was a bit disappointing for me, but the experience of meeting other Deaf players from other countries was awesome! I have made new friends and look forward to competing again!
8. At CSUN, in the Deaf community and back home in Dixon you are seen as a role model. How do you feel about this and does it influence how you prepare every day?
My parents raised me to stay humble and appreciate my life. I do my best to follow that. When I return to any of the communities, the love that is shown to me encourages me to be a better human being in all aspects of life.
9. What message or advice do you have for the next generation of athletes that want to realize their dreams?
My favorite saying is, "Don't tell me I can't because I will!" My parents have always encouraged both my sister and I to go after our dreams. There will always be people that will tell you you're not good enough, but do not allow those critics in your head. Always stay true to yourself and follow your dreams.
An extended photo gallery from Lizarraga's professional career in Mexico and with USA Deaf Men's Basketball can be found by clicking here.
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