“I’M ARRIVING WITH HUGE EXCITEMENT”
Willy Hernangómez has officially been presented as a new Unicaja Málaga player. The Spanish national team captain expressed his excitement about starting this new chapter and highlighted how important the opportunity to work with Txus Vidorreta was in his decision.
“I want to thank the President, Juanma, Unicaja and Txus for giving me the opportunity to wear this great jersey with so much history. I have so much desire to give 120% in every practice and every game.”
Hernangómez also spoke about the reception he has received from the Málaga fans:
“I’m very happy, especially because of the welcome and the messages I’ve received from the fans in Málaga. I have nothing but words of gratitude and a lot of excitement and desire to start working.”
“I WANT TO FEEL LIKE A PLAYER AGAIN”
The Spanish center explained what he is looking for in Málaga and why Unicaja was the right destination.
“Unicaja is a great club. For me, it’s an opportunity to work very hard, to be surrounded by a club, teammates and a coaching staff, and I’m sure that together we’ll do everything possible to compete.”
“Individually, I want to feel like a player, enjoy basketball and what better place to do that than Málaga? It’s an opportunity to work, learn and continue growing as a player. I still have many things to improve.”
VIDORRETA WAS CRUCIAL TO HIS DECISION
The chance to work with the experienced Spanish coach again played a major role in Hernangómez’s decision.
“He was very, very, very important in my decision. The fact that Unicaja and Txus came together made it easier for me to come here.”
Hernangómez already knows Vidorreta from their time together with the Spanish national team:
“He’s a coach with a huge history, someone who has made his teams winners and competitive and has helped his players reach their best level.”
“I’m going to be a sponge and do everything he asks of me. Listening to him, learning, following his instructions and giving my best every day will make everything work much better.”
“I DON’T FEEL LIKE A LEADER”
Despite being Spain’s captain and having NBA and EuroBasket MVP experience, Hernangómez wants to approach his new challenge with humility.
“We have a great roster. I don’t feel any pressure and I don’t consider myself a leader.”
Then came perhaps the most memorable line of his presentation:
“As I told Juanma and Txus during the summer, I’ve put my helmet on. I’m just another soldier and I’m going to war like everyone else.”
Hernangómez also emphasized his desire to learn from the players who have been at Unicaja for longer, mentioning Alberto Díaz, Kendrick Perry, Nihad Djedovic, Tyler Kalinoski and David Kravish.
“EVERYTHING MOTIVATES ME”
The new Unicaja project represents a fresh source of motivation after his experience with Barcelona.
“Everything motivates me. I’m really excited. It’s a new and ambitious project, we have many new players, a great coach and experienced teammates.”
The Basketball Champions League is another source of motivation for Hernangómez:
“For me, playing in the BCL is a motivation. It’s the only competition I was missing, because I had already played in the EuroCup.”
“MY BROTHER TOLD ME THERE WAS NO BETTER PLACE FOR ME”
Juancho Hernangómez also played a role in his brother’s decision.
“Before making a decision, we always talk about things as a family. My brother told me there was no better place for me than Unicaja — because of the club, the city and Txus. That’s honestly what he told me.”
BERNI RODRÍGUEZ IS LIKE AN OLDER BROTHER
Hernangómez also spoke about his special relationship with Unicaja legend Berni Rodríguez.
“Berni has always been like an older brother to me. He was one of the first people to message me. He has always taken great care of me.”
“Someone like Berni, a legend of this club, being like an older brother to me is very important. I’ll learn from him and listen to every piece of advice he has to give me.”
🎙️Willy Hernangómez: “Soy un soldado más y voy a la guerra como todos”
📰 NOTICIA https://t.co/VeQpFPqsLS
💚💜 #YoSoyDelUnicaja pic.twitter.com/6E8VP88rcS
— UnicajaCB (@unicajaCB) August 17, 2026
THE MEANING BEHIND NUMBER 41
Hernangómez will wear No. 41, a number with special significance for his family.
“41 is a very special number and a very representative number in my life and in my family.”
Willy has previously worn No. 41 with Real Madrid and in the NBA, while his brother Juancho and sister also wear the same number.
“For the three of us to wear the same number and the same last name this year is a source of pride for our family. We’ll definitely hang the three jerseys together.”
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