ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sean Stewart

Sean Stewart recently was named to the USA Men’s U17 World Cup basketball team. A rising senior at Windermere High School, Stewart has plans to attend Duke University after graduating high school next year. Stewart currently is representing the U.S. at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup in Malaga, Spain. The tournament began Saturday, July 2, and will end Sunday, July 10. 

When did you first start playing basketball? 
I first started playing basketball (when I was 4 years old). 

Why did you get into basketball in the first place?  
As a kid, (basketball) was just what I loved to do most. Knowing that my dad (Michael Stewart) was an NBA player just made me want to play so bad (that) I didn’t want to do anything else. 

What do you love most about the sport? 
I love the happiness that the game brings me, the opportunities it gives me and that it brings everyone together.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of your team(s)?
The lifelong relationships I’ve formed. 

Tell us about the moment you were named to the Men’s U17 USA basketball team. How did you feel? Was that something you were expecting?  
It was a crazy moment. When they called my name to tell me I made the team, it was really surreal. I called everyone and told them the news, and everyone was super happy for me — it was great. I had to expect it (so I could) have the confidence that I was going to make the team. Making this team was one of my goals for a long time, so it’s crazy to finally be here in this position. 

How has it been to play with that particular team? 
It’s been really fun. I’ve built a lot of new friendships with different players, and it is great to be on the court with such good players all the time. 

Right now, you’re in Spain. Tell us about that experience.
At first, it was very different, like adjusting to the time change and how far we were from home. But, now we’ve all gotten pretty used to the level of play here (being) very high, which is what we expected.

Are you hoping to get drafted to the NBA out of high school, or are you planning on attending college first?
I am attending Duke University, so the goal is to go there (and) do what I need to do. Then, go to the next level.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to (be able to) teleport, so I could go anywhere whenever (I want).  

What’s your favorite movie? 
My favorite movie is “Space Jam” — the original, with Michael Jordan.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Why? 
My favorite vacation spot is Anguilla, because I love the weather and the beaches, and it has a lot of stuff to do with your family.

What are three things on your bucket list? 
I would like to win a state championship, win a national championship (in college) and get drafted (into the NBA). 

Name three places you’d like to visit.
(I would like to go to) Jamaica, Africa and Anguilla.  

Favorite thing to do during the summer? 
(I like to) play basketball and hang out with my friends. 

Instagram or TikTok? 
Instagram.

Do you prefer coffee or tea? 
Tea.

What’s your favorite NBA team and why?
My favorite team is the Boston Celtics, because I was born in Boston. 

Who is your favorite NBA player and why? 
My favorite NBA player is Kevin Durant, because I love that he is a 7-footer and can do everything on the court.