Spain’s U18 sensation Sergio Rodriguez was the undoubted hit of summer 2004. The young point guard dazzled his way to a gold medal and MVP award at the European Championships for U18 Men in Zaragoza.

But Rodriguez’s impact may have overshadowed what was a hugely successful summer for Spain, who won the U16 European Championship for Girls and earned silver at the U18 Women.

		Dominguez in national team action

Silvia Dominguez manned the point for the U18 Women and her style is certainly reminiscent of her men’s team counterpart Rodriguez. Those who were lucky enough to witness her play this summer were not surprised to see regular behind-the-back passes or similarly highlight reel plays from the electric young point guard.

Just like Rodriguez, Domingues is playing for Estudiantes this season. Estudiantes are coached by Alberto Ortego, who led the U18 national team in Bratislava and Dominguez chose to follow her coach from Barcelona to Madrid.

At just 17 and 166 cm, Dominguez may be diminuitive in age and stature, but she has already made an impact on the court this season. In her last 3 games for Estudiante, Dominguez has averaged 14 ppg (60% field goal shooting) and 4.3 apg, including a 20-point, 6-assist outing in a 65-60 victory over Breogan.

Dominguez’s decision to move to Madrid from league powerhouse Barcelona was not because of coach Ortego, but in the pursuit of playing time.

“It’s a real challenge to make your debut in the Liga Femenina and to do it by playing real minutes. Everyone knows that I’m the youngest but if you play your part and play hard and better every day then you win respect in the locker room,” explained Dominguez to radio station Marca.

“Every club has its own approach. Barcelona is only focused on winning and is not in the habit of placing stakes on the younger players. First Nuria Martinez left and now I have. From a sports point of view I did worry about moving from a big club to a smaller one, but in Barcelona I just went to training and here I get minutes on the court.”

Although Dominguez is one of the brightest prospects in the Spanish League, her feet seem to be firmly on the floor, no doubt aided by the fact that she still has to attend school.

“I hope to improve a lot more and you have to remember that I am only the junior in the team and I always make mistakes.”

And the comparison to Rodriguez? Dominguez is aware of it and can even see a certain similarity herself.

“To compare me with Sergio is a bit strange but I guess we both want people to enjoy ourselves and we like to put on a bit of show when we can.”