Juancho Hernangomez was one of the central figures at the VI Gala of Spanish Basketball, an event hosted by the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) and MARCA.
On that evening, he received the award for Best Season Abroad by a Spanish Player, recognition of his impact with Panathinaikos in Greece.
Now, as he heads into EuroBasket 2025, Hernangomez is no longer the promising youngster of past tournaments but a leader within the Spanish national team.
He enters the competition as second captain, standing just behind his brother Willy in the team’s hierarchy. The new role, however, also brings a bittersweet feeling.
“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,” Hernangomez admitted to MARCA.
That reflection captures the generational shift Spain is experiencing. The golden era of legends like Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Rodriguez, and Ricky Rubio is giving way to a younger wave.
For Hernangomez, this transition requires 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 Raul Lopez. 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.”
The forward’s words highlight both the challenge and the spirit with which Spain will approach the tournament.
The team is still the reigning European champion, but Hernangomez is realistic about the difficulty of repeating the glory of 2022.
“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.”
Even while focused on the immediate task, Hernangomez is already looking toward the horizon. He pointed to EuroBasket 2029 in Madrid as a symbolic target for the new generation of Spanish players.
“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, beyond the national team, Hernangomez allowed himself to dream about reuniting at club level with his brother Willy, something that fans have long hoped for.
“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 Barca… For now, I’m very happy in Greece, but you never know – basketball and life can change quickly.”
Juancho Hernangomez reflects on his veteran role with the national team, Spain’s #EuroBasket title defense, and the future alongside his brother Willy.
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 20, 2025
“I really miss Rudy, Chacho, Ricky… We’ll fight and give everything in every game."https://t.co/kmV71h59xm
