By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Juancho Hernangómez was one of the standout figures at the VI Gala of Spanish Basketball, organized by the FEB and MARCA, where he was honored with the award for the best season abroad by a Spanish player.
The Panathinaikos forward steps into EuroBasket 2025 as one of the veterans of the Spanish national team, serving as second captain behind his brother Willy.
“I wish I wasn’t one of the veterans and that Rudy, Chacho, or Ricky were still here. I say it from the heart—I really miss them. But it’s part of life,” Hernangómez admitted, per MARCA.
With Spain preparing to defend its European crown, Juancho urged patience and perspective.
“We’re going to compete with point guards who are 19 and 20 years old. It’s not fair to put that weight on them, to say they are the new Ricky or the new Raúl López. They aren’t them, just like we’re not Pau Gasol, and Santi (Aldama) isn’t Marc Gasol. We’ll fight, we’ll compete with humility, and give everything in every game.”
He also stressed that repeating the 2022 gold medal won by Spain won’t be easy.
“We have that as an example, but it’s not going to happen every year. Hopefully it does, but we’re staying calm, taking things step by step. We know the key is to be at our best on the 28th and go all in.”
Looking further ahead, Hernangómez pointed to EuroBasket 2029 in Madrid as a milestone for the team’s new generation.
“That tournament is an incredible goal for this country and for the young players. I hope they take it with responsibility because playing a European Championship at home means you have to show up. And we have a lot of talent.”
Finally, Juancho spoke about the dream of once again sharing a club team with his brother Willy.
“It would be a source of pride. We’ve already represented Spain together for many years, winning a World Cup and a EuroBasket. Why not play together again? There was the chance at Panathinaikos, the chance at Barça… For now, I’m very happy in Greece, but you never know—basketball and life can change quickly,” he concluded.