Willy Hernangomez: 'Spain always has to be among the favorites' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The New Orleans Pelicans and Spanish national team center, Willy Hernangomez, received the Best National Player Award in international competitions from the president of the Spanish Basketball Federation - Jorge Garbajosa.

Guillermo Hernangomez

Position:C, PFAge:28Height:209 cmWeight:113 kgBirth place:Madrid, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

The award came after a season in the NBA where the 28-year-old Hernangomez averaged 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 50 games.

"I am very pleased and happy that my season is being evaluated in this way. It motivates you to continue working to achieve new goals," Willy said, via Mundo Deportivo.

Now, his focus is on the national team and EuroBasket 2022. Hernangomez has big shoes to fill as long-time leaders -- brothers Pau and Marc Gasol -- retired from NT last summer.

"This team should always be among the favorites," he stressed, despite the ongoing generation change. "The competition will then place you where you belong, but what's clear to me is that we will give everything."

Hernangomez also pointed out that he is not "very concerned about the rest of the EuroBasket teams".

"There is a lot of potential and talent but the important thing is to be focused on each game and know that you have to beat each rival," he added.

The Spanish NT is continuing its preparation cycle. Their next friendly matches are scheduled for August 16 and 18 against Lithuania.

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