By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
After winning the Catalan League, FC Barcelona presented its new faces to the media in today’s press conference, giving Jabari Parker, Willy Hernangomez, Dario Brizuela, and Joel Parra the stage to spend their first words as the newest players of Roger Grimau’s team.
The former Milwaukee Bucks player had nothing but great words for this new chapter. “It was an opportunity in every sense. I was talking to a couple of teams but I didn’t feel like I needed to go there. Only upon arriving here did I feel the opposite. I don’t have years to wait. I want to be here and do great things”, the 2nd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft commented as reported by AS.
He was followed by Willy Hernangomez, who left the New Orleans Pelicans. “I knew I was coming to a great club, but I’m better than I expected. Super comfortable, adapted, and very happy with the reception. I noticed the enthusiasm of the fans”, the EuroBasket 2022 MVP first said before talking about the upcoming clash with his former team Real Madrid in the Spanish SuperCup. “I see them as a rival, I hope we win. My mentality has always been to win every game. I’m going to give my all for the club”, he added.
Dario Brizuela also took the mic. “When Barça calls you, there is no higher level than this. The decision was easy. I have always pursued playing Euroleague. Now I’m here, eager to see if I’m ready, to gain experience and be able to gain it. It is the dream of any player. It makes things a lot easier when you arrive at a new club and you have known people for so many years. I have known Willy for 13 years. That makes it much easier. We are all very good players and when there is so much level everything is easier. We have a squad to win everything“, the former Unicaja Malaga’s guard said.
Finally, it was time for Joel Parra, who left Joventut Badalona this summer to join FC Barcelona “It was the next step in my career. Be among the best and play with the best. It was complicated, I played 18 years in Penya, but I am happy because this is where I wanted to be”, the 23-year-old forward said.
Benvinguts a la família blaugrana 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/Vk9iRug3RD
— Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) September 14, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: Barca Basket