JONE Pedro took time to cosy up to basketball despite having a direct line to the game. The fact that his father played the game at the highest level for Angola, did not mean that the sport would be an automatic first choice for Jone.
The Petro de Luanda player had dabbled in other sports until certain shifts in his life drove him to basketball. He experienced a growth spurt which led to him leaning in on the legacy and later the birth of his younger sister hit him with a dose of maturity.
Pedro, now 34, also explained to The Big Tip Off how his second pro stint in Angola shaped his character and after having enjoyed success at the club level, he is now looking beyond.
Jone, the son of former Angolan player Adriano Pedro, says it was in Germany that he started gravitating towards basketball.
“Sometimes the ball gets put in your hands because of your family, but in my case, it was me witnessing. So, seeing what my dad was doing at a young age, subconsciously drew me to the game later in life,” says Pedro.
“My dad played Portugal and later in Germany, where I grew up. When we moved there (Germany), I got exposed to several sports, of course, soccer being the main one. I also played ping-pong,” said Pedro. “By the time I was 13 or 14, I began to notice the height difference because I was not always tall. That is when I decided to try basketball – when I was 14.”
Early on, Pedro would have a love-hate relationship with the game. The main reason for his early struggle was his approach toward the game.
“When I started, I was playing for fun. When I switched clubs from my home city (Aachen) to Leverkusen, I still had the same attitude until I realised other players were being pushed instead of me. So I quit,” said Pedro. “When I turned 19, I came to Angola because my dad felt I was not being productive. I spent a season playing in Angola for a team in Lubango (Desportivo de Huila).
“I didn’t like it much because I had grown up in Germany, and it (Lubango) was a different reality. So, after a year, I returned to Germany.”
While in Germany, his sister, already born and growing, made Pedro realise he had different decisions to make. He had to be more serious about his game. Pedro joined then-fourth-tier club Giants Dusseldorf, who went undefeated that season (2011-2012). His successful stint there stint led to a move to Pro A team Gladiators Treves (known as TBB Trier).
“The birth of my sister motivated me to take basketball seriously. By the time she was around three or four, I began to look at the game the right way. I made the decision to pursue a professional career and I have never looked back,” said Pedro.
The big man has also adopted a mature outlook on life during his 10-year stay in Angola, where he started out for ASA (Atletico Sport Aviacao) and Primeiro de Agosto. While domestic basketball in the Southern African nation had not reached the desired level professionally, Pedro was unfazed by the situation.
“As far as professionalism goes, it was a step back, but because of who I was back then, it was a step up. I was up for the challenge (of playing in Angola), and whatever difficulty I might have, I would embrace it because I could not behave the way I did before. ‘Like, ok, things are not going well here, I quit,” said Pedro. “It was time for me to challenge myself… Find motivation to get through the league and season.”
View this post on Instagram
Apart from growing as an individual, Pedro’s decade in Angola would also yield success on the court. He won two league championships with Primeiro and four with his current club, Petro. It has led to Pedro feeling the time has come for a new career challenge.
“I come from different habits. I grew up among different African communities in Germany – Ghanaian, Congolese and Guineans. It (Angola) was challenging. It was new, provocative, fun and harsh… A real mix of everything,” said Pedro. “This was a lesson of life. I am happy I made it through while staying sane and being true to myself. I am happy because it was worth it.
“But I think it is important to know when it is time for a new challenge. I am in a position to choose whatever offer may come.”
Pedro played his cards close to his chest on his next move. It is understandable as his gaze is on the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda. Despite making it through the Kalahari Conference in South Africa, Petro struggled – their 2-2 record saw the Angolan giants sever ties with Brazilian coach Jose Neto.
While the on-court struggles of Petro were laid bare, Pedro says South Africa was a great setting to start the BAL Season 4.
“Going to South Africa was amazing. It was amazing. It’s the perfect location. The culture there is nice. There was a welcoming atmosphere. And the vibe was just different. It felt like we were in the States, but as far as the team goes, we were on the brink of mental exhaustion,” said Pedro. “When you are used to winning, it becomes hard to stay motivated. It was difficult for us to bring our A-game. So, I think it was time for change, and I don’t mean Neto leaving.
“I don’t think we performed at 70 per cent of our ability. It was a disaster. I am being straight up. It was obvious that Petro was not Petro. But we made it through.”
Spaniard Sergio Valdeolmillos is the new coach and recently led Petro to a 16th league title. Under him, Pedro feels there has been accountability. According to Pedro, there is a new energy ahead of their clash against US Monastir, a team they lost to in the 2022 BAL final.
“Now that we have a new coach, there is a new mentality. He is doing what needs to be done. He is holding every player accountable. We are more aggressive and physical. We’ve been practising like crazy. It’s unbelievable,” said Pedro. “So I just have to believe in the process. We are here for a reason. The team is ready (for the BAL playoffs).
“What I can guarantee is that the posture of Petro is going to be different during the playoffs.”
As he winds down the season with Petro, Pedro is thankful for his existence and what it has served, but there is a craving for a little more.
“Finding my purpose (in life). That has been a great inspiration for me. There’s a difference between what you need to do and what you want to do. For me, I decided I wanted to play basketball and go as far as I can to help and provide for my family,” said the former Angolan international. “And it changes. My sister is about to turn 18, so she is not that cutie that used to motivate me. You always find a new chapter. It can be recovering from an injury or winning a championship. Maybe doubt creeps up, and you question if you won it. So you have to prove yourself again.”
No doubt Pedro and his teammates will have to prove their championship credentials in these BAL playoffs. They are well acquainted with the disappointment of losing and the sweet taste of victory. Hopefully, Pedro can again experience the latter feeling – this time at the continental level. After that, he can ponder on his future.
