Life With Lukas By Lukas Witt | 11 years old
Nate Sestina is from the small town of Emporium, PA with a population of just under 2,000 people. Sestina attended Cameron County High school where he earned First Team All-State, All-District and All-League honors, he was Big 30 and North Tier Player of the Year. He led his team to two straight league titles and finished his career with 1,703 points and 955 rebounds. Sestina was one of a few Division I players to come from Emporium and attended Bucknell, his freshman season was cut short due to a should injury and was granted a redshirt, the remaninder of his college career trended upward and he entered the transfer portal for his final season of eligibility as a graduate transfer and eventually landed at Kentucky.
Nate quickly made his mark early on in Lexington and was a big contributor both on and off the court. That came to a halt six games into the season where he broke his wrist and missed the next four weeks. Upon his return he again became the coach on the floor and the encourager on the sidelines. He scored his 1,000th career point during a 13-point game against LSU on February 18, 2020. He also was named to the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team.
The season came to a quick halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sestina quickly said he would eagerly return to Kentucky for another season if granted another year of eligibility but sadly the NCAA recently reported only spring athletes would be granted another year.
Nate Sestina definitely made his mark on me along with the rest of BBN. I was recently able to interview him and get his take on lots of topics, check out our Q&A below.
Me: Who was your favorite basketball player growing up?
Nate: Kobe Bryant no doubt
Me: What was your most memorable moment as a Wildcat?
Nate: Starting for the first time at MSG and hearing my name get called!!
Me: Where was the hardest place to play?
Nate: Auburn University, Auburn Arena
Me: Is there a team you wanted to play against but didn’t get the chance?
Nate: Duke
Me: Who has been the most inspirational person in your life and why?
Nate: My brother Andrew. He’s pushed me to be the best version of myself always. And he holds me accountable.
Me: What have you been doing during the COVID-19 break?
Nate: Doing some homework and getting some at home workouts in!! LOSING MY MIND WITHOUT A GYM!
Me: What will you miss most about playing at Kentucky?
Nate: I’ll miss my teammates and coaches the most. From Rob and Geoff to Coach Cal and KP. Everyone. They’re truly here to help you and push you to be your best.
Me: What’s the hardest part about not getting to finish the season?
Nate: Not being able to make a run in the tournament.
Me: What do you hope to be doing after your basketball career?
Nate: Coaching or doing skill development.
Me: What‘a your final message to BBN?
Nate: Thank you all for opening up and taking me and my family in and accepting us as one of your own. It truly is a family and I am so thankful for this year.
Me: Anything else you want share or highlight?
Nate: Thank you Lukas for being such an awesome fan and such an awesome young man.
Me: Thanks Nate for taking the time to always see me and for your support.
Lukas X - All Things Sports 