Juancho, the second Spaniard to play in the Euroleague abroad

Juancho Hernangomez took a 180-degree turn in his career this summer. The Spain international has decided to forego his NBA adventure after amassing six different franchises over the past seven years. The latter, the Toronto Raptors, decided to release him in February 2023. Five months later, in July, his figure was greeted by the public in Athens after signing a two-season contract with Panathinaikos. with whom he won the first Euroleague of his career and after many rumors that brought him to Barcelona along with his brother Willy.

He is the second Spanish player to win a top continental competition with a team outside the Endesa League, after Sergio Rodriguez., who in 2019 won his second Euroleague with CSKA in his second season with the Russian national team after leaving the NBA, like Juancho. In Chacho’s case, it was the Philadelphia 76ers, with whom he tried his luck in the North American League for a second time.

Juancho’s season at PAO, with the demanding and controversial Ergin Ataman on the bench, was not easy.. His presence was intermittent in the rotation of the coach, who left more than one message for the student-youth team. “We are missing more attacking productivity from some players, especially one you know very well,” he said after the matchday six defeat to Barcelona.

A fracture in the little finger on his left hand in December also did not help him gain the confidence that would improve his level in the competition in which he made his debut and in which he averaged a 4.0.3 points and 3.5 rebounds with a rating of 5.8 in 16:24 on the court in the main phase.. Their time in the Final Four semifinals against Fenerbahce didn’t change the dynamic much: 6:37 on court.

However, after Madrid’s storming performance in the title match (36-25 in the first quarter), “Ataman” decided to trust him. Its 206 centimeters increase the intensity of the greens’ defense. In almost 20 minutes, he scored 4 points and made 4 rebounds. With him on the court, PJSC had +8.. When he sat on the bench, in the 28th minute his team had already reversed the score (59-61).

It was a redemptive match. In the city of Berlin and in the Uber Arena pavilion, which he already did on September 18, 2022 in the EuroBasket final against France. ANDThe day he won Finals MVP with 27 points and an incredible 7 of 9 from the perimeter.. It was the weapon Sergio Scariolo needed to ensure Spain won their fourth continental title. Germany, Hernangomez.

“I already said that I have already bought an apartment in Berlin. I’m going to stay here and live in the most beautiful city in the world.. Two victories, two championships. I’m very happy, really,” he said after finishing in the final. “Another mesh around the neck. A very well-deserved victory and a year that was also very difficult. But in the end, when you win, it’s worth it.”

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