Rudy Fernandez reflects on his EuroLeague legacy, Spain's absence from the Final Four, and the rise of new talent. He weighs in on Real Madrid and Barca's setbacks, Unicaja’s potential, NCAA challenges, and makes his Final Four predictions.
From Palma de Mallorca to Abu Dhabi, from Joventut Badalona to Real Madrid, Rudy Fernanndez has been a constant in European basketball’s evolution. Now retired, but still deeply involved, he remains firmly in the spotlight.
Free throws this season
Real Madrid
EuroLeague
The 40-year-old has just been named one of the 25 Greatest EuroLeague Players of All Time.
As the EuroLeague Final Four descends on Abu Dhabi for the first time in history, it does so without a single Spanish club in the mix—an unprecedented occurrence in two decades.
Speaking from the heart of the action in the UAE, Rudy offers a candid, thoughtful, and often emotional reflection on his career, Spanish basketball’s present and future, and what it means to be part of EuroLeague history.
The Spanish absence: A wake-up call, not a crisis
For the first time in 20 years, there’s no Spanish team at the Final Four.
“It’s tough to see, of course. But it speaks volumes about how strong other teams are becoming. Clubs are investing, building solid structures, and getting more competitive. Spanish teams now need to respond and take a step forward next season.”
Still, Rudy doesn’t believe this absence is a crisis or a decline.
“We’ve been spoiled in Spain. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Baskonia, Unicaja—all have had great moments. The Liga ACB remains very competitive. But we have to recognize that European basketball is evolving fast, and we can’t afford to be complacent.”
A EuroLeague legend
For Rudy, inclusion in the EuroLeague's 25 greatest list is more than an honor—it’s a full-circle moment.
“I’m very happy, honestly. Being among the 25 is special, but what I value most is feeling part of the EuroLeague community. It’s a way to still be involved, in a different role now, and enjoy it all in a magnificent setting like Abu Dhabi.”
Rudy Fernandez
Rudy Fernandez
Position: SG
Age: 40
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Birth place: Mallorca, Spain
Now fully immersed in life post-retirement, Rudy is embracing this next chapter with grace.
“It’s different watching from the outside. You don’t feel that adrenaline anymore, but it’s a new stage that I’m entering with peace and joy—spending time with my family, being recognized for what I’ve done, and enjoying these kinds of events.”
Supporting Juancho and the next generation
With no Spanish clubs represented, Rudy turns his support to individuals—namely, Juancho Hernangomez and naturalized Spaniard Lorenzo Brown of Panathinaikos.
“Juancho is not just a great player—he’s like a brother to me. I want the best for him. And if he does well here, that’s good for Spanish basketball. Same with Lorenzo. He’s had a tough year adjusting, but he’s still an important piece for our national team.”
As for young talents who might follow in his footsteps, Rudy sees promise in Hugo Gonzalez.
“I’ve trained a lot with him. Physically, he reminds me of myself. He listens, he works, he understands the game. I always tell him not to feel pressure. He’s still just 19. But being at a club like Madrid this early shows he has something special.”
Unicaja and the EuroLeague question
Could Unicaja Málaga, currently thriving outside of EuroLeague, compete if brought into the fold?
“They’re playing amazing basketball. You can see the structure they’ve built and how well things are working. Whether they join the EuroLeague is up to them and the league, but the level they’re showing now? It’s top-tier.”
The evolving landscape: NCAA vs. European development
Rudy doesn’t hide his concerns about the growing trend of young European talents heading to U.S. colleges.
“It’s worrying. In Europe, especially in Spain, we’ve done great work developing players from a young age. But now, with the NCAA offering education and financial incentives, it’s hard to compete. It’s a problem we need to address collectively.”
He advocates for protecting and evolving Europe’s youth systems.
“Look at Spanoulis, Diamantidis, Doncic, Llull—we all came through European structures. It worked. But now there’s real money in the NCAA, and that changes everything. We need balance, and we need to protect what we’ve built.”
Credit FIBA
Abu Dhabi as host: A new chapter for the EuroLeague
While some debate the wisdom of staging the Final Four outside Europe, Rudy sees it as a bold move with clear ambition.
“Abu Dhabi is beautiful. You see the NBA here, F1, and other big sports. So why not EuroLeague? It’s about growing the game. It’s a great decision.”
Is it a challenge or an opportunity?
“Maybe both. But the EuroLeague is one of the best competitions in the world. The NBA knows that—that’s why they’re always keeping an eye on what we do. So if this helps the EuroLeague grow, I’m all for it.”
Final Four favorites?
When pressed to pick a winner among Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Monaco, and Fenerbahce, Rudy declines to predict.
“Too difficult! All four are incredibly strong. Olympiacos has that extra edge after beating Madrid. Monaco has a coach and players made for these moments. Fenerbahce is on form.
And Panathinaikos? Well, they’re last year’s champions. It’s wide open—and that’s what makes it exciting.”
What really matters in a Final Four?
“Experience. These are knockout games. One bad day and you’re out. Teams that have been here before know how to manage the pressure. That’s the button that has to be pushed.”
Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix
Legacy without ego
Looking back at his own career and the debates over who should be on the EuroLeague 25 list, Rudy stays humble.
“There are so many players who could be there. I’ve played with and against legends. But I never chased personal awards. My focus was always the team.
Maybe that’s why I’m on the list—because I put the team first. That’s what we have to teach the next generation.”
Giorgos Kyriakidis
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.