Barcelona’s center, Willy Hernangomez, opened up about the tough moments he experienced with Barca this past season, his loss of passion for basketball during the season, and why former Real Madrid player chose to join Barca after spending seven seasons in the NBA.
FC Barcelona’s center, Willy Hernangomez, had a tough second season in the EuroLeague after returning from a seven-year stint in the NBA.
Willy Hernangomez
Willy Hernangomez
Position: C
Age: 31
Height: 209 cm
Weight: 113 kg
Birth place: Madrid, Spain
Willy opened up about his struggles and the loss of passion for basketball this past season, admitting that he even disconnected from the sport at times.
"I had a tough moment of losing love and passion for basketball this past season. I didn’t feel happy or comfortable with what I was doing," Hernangomez said in an interview with Pablo Lolaso on La Bombilla podcast.
"I went to training because that’s what was expected. I tried to find a way, but there comes a point when you alone can’t, nor do you know how."
Credit AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire – Scanpix
The Spanish international explained that he decided to go to therapy to manage the situation, a step he considers key to his emotional recovery:
"I talked with my family and close people to seek help and start working on my emotions and mental health. It has helped me a lot; I’ve reconnected my mind, understanding what I want and what I don’t," Willy revealed.
The Madrid-born player also reflected on his decision to return to Europe in 2023, choosing Barca’s offer despite receiving proposals from other clubs, including Real Madrid, his formative club.
"I would have liked things to have turned out differently with Madrid, but the offer they made me was like it didn’t exist," he explained. "In the NBA, I understood that this is work, and I wanted to play, to feel important. Barca bet on me, and Barcelona is an incredible city."
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