17-year-old Alisha Acosta from Panorama City, California is a graduate of Arleta High School. She played basketball for her high school for three years. She has been a Lakers fan since the age of 13. Alisha told me that her brothers were the first to get her into the Lakers and she began following Sasha three years ago. She claims that Sasha Vujacic has been an inspiration to her on the court and off. So I asked her a few questions to find out why.

When I asked her what she liked about Sasha, she responded by saying, “One of the things that I like about Sasha is the heart he gives to his teammates; whether it is on or off the court. That is what I admire from him and that he gives it his all. Another is how he plays–it’s just amazing.”

As a basketball player herself, Alisha looks up to her idol to make herself better. Sasha has influenced her in a number of ways but particularly helping her gain more confidence in herself; knowing that she can make her shots and putting her heart into the games. She added, “Plus he has [also] helped me concentrate on my free throws even though there are so many distractions.”

Sasha has also inspired her in her everyday life. Alisha explains that he has motivated her to become a stronger woman. She now looks forward to game days. “Sasha has helped me keep my head up and achieve my dreams like he did.” Looking back at Sasha’s success, she too, believes that she can follow her dreams.

When asked if she has taken some things from Sasha’s game and applied it to hers, she responded by saying, “I sure have taken some pointers from him, which are his dribbling, his way of directing when he shoots, and always staying after practice to become better with my free throws, but one thing I can’t quite do is his speed.”

Does his passion for the game influence her at all? “Oh yeah, that’s one of the reasons I do what I do. I just feel that if he puts in the passion that he has for basketball, then I should too and just keep going. He motivates me to go above and beyond and do what my heart tells me to and it will get you where you want to be.”

Alisha’s message to Sasha: Wow, if I could ask him something it would be “what motivated you to go to the NBA?”