By Dan Ferrara, NBA International
When 20-year-old Juan Hernangomez heard his name called at the 2016 NBA Draft, he knew that it meant more than just a chance to play professional basketball. It was the culmination of years of dreaming in Spain, the reward of his hard work and the new realization that he and his brother were finally achieving their once-lofty goals.
“When we were children, we were dreaming about the NBA,” Hernangomez, selected No. 15 overall by the Denver Nuggets, said. “So this year, we’ll come and play together and it’s a dream come true. I’m really excited.”
Juan’s brother, Guillermo or preferably “Willy,” was selected in the second round in 2015 by the New York Knicks and is expected to join the team this upcoming season. After all, he has a friendship with blossoming Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis from their time together in Sevilla, and his brother will now be playing in the United States as well, making the transition easier.
The chances that one kid from Spain gets to earn the chance to play in the NBA are slim enough, but the odds that two brothers will now be given the opportunity are almost unheard of. That is, besides Pau and Marc Gasol, also of Spain.
The Gasols have combined for two NBA championships, 15 playoff appearances, six All-Star appearances, a Rookie of the Year Award and a Defensive Player of the Year Award. Additionally, they have led Spain to two consecutive silver medals in the Olympics.
While it remains to be seen whether the Hernangomez brothers can live up to the incredible careers of the Gasols, Juan acknowledged they are the gold standard and weighed in on how it feels to be joining Willy in the NBA.
“I saw other brothers like the Gasol brothers, so we are really proud to be the next brothers,” Hernangomez said.
If Willy indeed does sever ties with Sevilla and make the leap to New York this season, his Knicks would play Juan’s Nuggets twice. When asked what it will be like to play against each other on the court, Juan seemed jittery about the idea even though they have faced each other before.
“It’s really different playing against your brother. I got the opportunity to play against him in ACB, then play together on the national team. I don’t know what happens … he’s family.”
