Willy Hernangomez addressed his future in Barcelona, saying he’s staying and that his main priority is to fulfill his contract with the team, which runs through the end of the 2025–26 season.
FC Barcelona center Willy Hernangomez had a rather underwhelming season in his second campaign back in Spain, following a return after a seven-year stint in the NBA.
3-pointers this season
FC Barcelona
EuroLeague
With Hernangomez frequently moving in and out of the rotation this season, there has been widespread speculation about his future with the team.
Reportedly one of the highest-paid players at both Barcelona and across the EuroLeague, Hernangomez is under contract for next season with an annual salary of approximately €2.4 million.
When asked about his future during an interview with Radio Marca, he expressed his satisfaction with the club and his desire to stay.
"I’m happy here in Barcelona, I’m content," Hernangomez said. "It’s my second year and it’s been very difficult for me, but I think it has made me stronger, made me a better player, and now I’m getting more opportunities."
"I’m ready for anything the team needs, just like I’ve said all year. The only thing I want is to try to help the team win and, in everything that depends on my effort and hard work, be the best," he stated.
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com
"I try to do that every day, I try to show it every day. Now I have more opportunities and that’s why I’d really like to keep helping the team and try to do well in the series against Unicaja."
Hernangomez emphasized that fulfilling his contract with Barcelona remains his top priority.
"As for my future: I have one more year left on my contract here in Barcelona, and I’m happy," he said.
"My job here is to try to help the team and to go after the titles we still haven’t been able to win—hopefully this year we can go for the ACB, but without a doubt I think next year will be another great year. Fulfilling the contract is a priority for me," Hernangomez affirmed.
Credit AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire – Scanpix
He also talked about the mindset shift he had to undergo after spending many years in the NBA, saying that playing with the national team isn’t the same, and he thought it would be easier to adapt to the EuroLeague.
"It’s tough to change that mindset after so many years in the NBA, with different rules and a different style of basketball," Spaniard noted.
"With the national team, it’s just short periods," he said. "I thought it would be easier to adapt to Europe, to the EuroLeague or the Endesa League. But it’s very difficult because it’s also a very different kind of basketball."
Despite the challenges, Hernangomez feels he has recently turned a corner.
"Right now, over the past couple of months, I’ve felt comfortable playing in Europe. I feel like I’m becoming the player I want to be for the future."
"Everyone who’s made the transition from other leagues to here knows it takes time and patience, but with hard work and sacrifice, things always move forward," he explained.
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