Unicaja Baloncesto has reached an agreement to sign Spanish center Willy Hernangómez for the upcoming season. The 32-year-old, 2.10-meter big man arrives in Málaga after an extensive career in both the NBA and the EuroLeague, where he established himself as one of Spain’s most accomplished interior players.
Hernangómez joins Unicaja from FC Barcelona and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top centers of the past decade. His experience at the highest level, combined with his leadership for the Spanish national team, makes him a major addition to the club.
Known for his excellent play around the basket, refined footwork, and ability to finish with either hand, Hernangómez is also an outstanding rebounder. His low-post scoring, passing ability from the paint, and physical presence allow him to be both an offensive focal point and a reliable defensive anchor.
A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Hernangómez continued his development with Baloncesto Sevilla before returning to Real Madrid for the 2015–16 season, winning the Liga Endesa, the Copa del Rey, and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
He moved to the NBA in 2016 after being selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, with his rights later traded to the New York Knicks. Over eight NBA seasons, he played for the Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Pelicans, appearing in 344 games while averaging 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. His impressive rookie campaign earned him a place on the 2017 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
In the summer of 2023, Hernangómez returned to Europe by signing with Barcelona. Last season, he averaged 7.7 points on 65.2% shooting from two-point range and 3.9 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game in the Liga Endesa, while posting 5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13 minutes per game in the EuroLeague.
On the international stage, Hernangómez has been one of Spain’s key players over the past decade. His achievements include winning the 2019 FIBA World Cup, EuroBasket titles in 2015 and 2022, and being named MVP of EuroBasket 2022 after averaging 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and one assist per game. He also won bronze medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and EuroBasket 2017.
Hernangómez is also familiar with Unicaja head coach Txus Vidorreta, having worked with him during Spain’s national team camps in 2015 and 2016 when Vidorreta was part of Sergio Scariolo’s coaching staff. He has also shared the locker room with Unicaja captain Alberto Díaz on numerous occasions with the national team.
With the signing of Willy Hernangómez, Unicaja adds an internationally proven player whose experience and quality are expected to strengthen the team’s frontcourt for the upcoming season.
Welcome to Unicaja, Willy!
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