By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos AKTOR forward Juancho Hernangomez described his return to the Spanish national team for the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers as a break during a season that hasn’t gone that well for him so far.
“[Coming to the national team] is like a break in a bit stormy season for me,” Hernangomez said to media ahead of the game between Spain and Latvia in Zaragoza, Thursday (22/2).
Hernangomez’s characterization of his season as “stormy” is not wrong. The Spanish forward, one of Panathinaikos‘ blockbuster signings last summer, is averaging 4.2 points (on 34.8 percent from the field) and 3.8 rebounds over just 17:20 minutes in the EuroLeague. He missed 12 games with injury in November.
While sometimes an important factor on the defensive end, Hernangomez hasn’t managed to successfully get involved in Panathinaikos’ offensive systems and produce what the team is expecting of him.
Now, Hernangomez is trying to get into rhythm and the Spanish national team provides him with the opportunity to rejuvenate. Sharing the floor with his friend Ricky Rubio – on the latter’s much-anticipated return to action – can help.
“Ricky and I have a very strong relationship,” Hernangomez said. “We played together in Minnesota. He was my best friend there. We played together on the national team. We spend a lot of time together. I really love him. I love his family. I love his friends.”
“If now he is on the court training, I am very happy if he just does that,” Hernangomez added. “He can take as long as he wants until he feels ready. He will be a hero to many people and he is one of my heroes. He teaches me a lot, not only basketball, but also his family.”