Jaume Sorolla had never played in an environment like Rupp Arena.
A venue that big? Yes.
That packed? No.
Then again, Sorolla, who has represented his native Spain in international competitions at various youth levels, arrived at Valparaiso without preconceived notions.
The freshman center diligently studies the scouting reports. But he doesn’t differentiate much among playing at Kentucky or Oregon or Missouri State, or even against Trinity Christian at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
“Every team has big guys, strong guys,” Sorolla said.
The speed of the game has been a significant adjustment.
“Faster, yes,” Sorolla said. “They fly here. In Europe, we have big guys — Lithuania, Serbia — but they are slow. Here, No. 3 of Kentucky (Bam Adebayo) — taller, yes, faster, no.”
Sorolla, 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, hasn’t been intimidated, aided by his international experience.
Over the summer, he helped Spain win the gold medal at the U20 European Championship. In seven games last July in Helsinki, he averaged 4.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes.
“It’s a big honor. We don’t have the biggest team, the strongest team, but we have power inside,” said Sorolla, pointing to his chest.
Sorolla averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds for Spain’s fourth-place team at the 2014 U17 World Championship. He also competed at the 2014 U18 and 2013 U16 European Championships.
Senior forward Alec Peters believes Sorolla’s background is evident.
“He’s been really composed for a freshman,” Peters said. “He’s played on a larger scale than what he’s playing here, more nerve-racking than playing college basketball.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and even more. He’s not really asked to score a whole lot, but he’s still using those opportunities where he gets offensive rebounds or gets that deep spot in the post to turn and score over people. He’s altering shots on the defensive end, he’s rebounding. He’s doing what we need in the role he’s asked to play.”
That role has expanded the last two weeks.
He had eight points and nine rebounds in just 14 minutes at Kentucky.
Then, with senior Jubril Adekoya held out, Sorolla has started the last two games for the Crusaders (9-2), who play Santa Clara (5-7) on Thursday night. He played 28 minutes at Missouri State, including the entire second half. He had eight points, matching his best output, and a career-high 12 rebounds against Indiana State.
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“My mentality this year is to be prepared for every second and every minute they need me to play,” Sorolla said.
Sorolla, who played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kan., appears to be just scratching the surface of his ability.
He’s been displaying a nifty repertoire of post moves and getting quality shots, even if he’s not always finishing. He comprehends English fully, though he claims — debatably — he doesn’t speak it very well.
Peters recognizes Sorolla’s potential.
“You know you’re going to get great effort from Jay, he’s going to rebound, he’s going to screen,” Peters said. “Even though he may not understand a lot yet, he’s still growing with his footwork under the basket. You know he’s going to go after the ball and he’s going to be an aggressive defender. He wants to learn, he works at it every day and you’re starting to see it.”
Coach Matt Lottich likes Sorolla’s progress.
“I need him to continue to be what he is, and that’s a great rebounder and a great defensive player,” Lottich said. “He’ll continue to make strides on the offensive end because of the work he puts in.”
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