Willy Hernangomez talks duel with Juancho, gives insights into Barca locker room / News - Basketnews.com

Willy Hernangomez is eager to face his brother Juancho for the first time in the EuroLeague, as FC Barcelona are hosting Panathinaikos this Friday. The Spanish big man also explained what he likes in Roger Grimau and revealed how players and staff keep team spirit high.

Credit: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

After a journey in the NBA full of uncertainties and irregularity, Willy Hernangomez and Juancho Hernangomez returned to the Old Continent after having shined in FIBA ​​competition, since both had been instrumental in leading the Spanish team to EuroBasket gold in 2022.

2-pointers this season

54%20,4Points made:20,4Accuracy:54,0%Place in standings:8Record max:32Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Jan VeselyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

And while Willy is going from less to more in these first games with FC Barcelona, his younger brother is having a hard time adjusting to Panathinaikos. Against Baskonia, Maccabi and Fenerbahce he was left with a total of 4 points in almost 50 minutes, leaving Ergin Ataman's team at 2-3.

On the other hand, Willy averages 11.4 points and 5 rebounds in almost 17 minutes per game in Barca's EuroLeague outings. His low post skills are perfect for a squad where team play prevails over individualism.

Across all competitions, the Blaugrana have accumulated a balance of 9 wins and 2 losses, which is currently placing them second in the EuroLeague and ACB League. But now Barca are preparing for the game vs. Panathinaikos, which will be special for both Willy and Juancho Hernangomez. The two brothers will face off for the first time in Europe this Friday in Barcelona, and Willy is definitely looking forward to the matchup.

"It's really special, above all for the family, it will be emotional," the Madrid-norn center admitted in an interview with the club's website. "That said, once the ball is in play, we are opponents and for us it will be important to get the win in front of our own fans."

Willy called Juancho "a really difficult player to defend."

"He's very versatile and he has a lot of weapons: he can shoot, he can penetrate, he is an excellent offensive rebounder, he reads the game really well and he is smart. I will give [Alex] Abrines and [Nikola] Kalinic some tips so they can get ready," he revealed.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

Real Madrid FC Barcelona65-64 FC Barcelona Panathinaikos AthensFri19:30

"On the other hand, if he's defending me, we'll have a mismatch. So, I prefer him to do it rather than one of the Greek side's centers," he admitted.

Willy Hernangomez, 29, is certain that before finishing his career, he would you like to be on the same team as Juancho, besides the Spanish national team.

"That would be a dream," he commented. "To be able to share a club's locker room with my brother is something we have still to do. If playing with him on the national team is incredible, then fighting for trophies at the same club would be marvelous. Let’s hope it can happen."

The older of the Hernangomez bros thinks he's still adjusting to Barca's way of playing in the ACB and the EuroLeague.

"It is true that I am getting better and feel more comfortable as the games go by, but the Willy that Barca fans want to see is a player who is getting more important to the team and can help in any game." In this respect, he pointed out that he needs to work on his skill set: increase his shooting range, defend better, and have better vision while passing the ball.

"One of the most important things is to get to know the players that are not on the radar yet. That means studying, watching videos, and scouting to look at their strong and weak points," he explained. "I am still young and I can improve many things."

Coming from the NBA and working with a coach like Roger Grimau is definitely a different experience for Willy, who said he likes the way the Spanish tactician goes about his business.

"He shows you a basis, a structure to the game, but later he gives players the freedom to choose the best option in the game," he observed. "He shows us that we have to be intelligent, find the advantage and help each other out. Personally, I like it because he makes you think and you always have to be on the ball."

Willy also named Jan Vesely as the player who was looking forward to seeing how he worked. "He's played in the NBA, and then he came to Europe to become one of the most dominant centers on the continent. He has everything, he always tries to help and works in a marvelous way."

In addition, he said he's excited to be playing alongside Tomas Satoransky once again. "12 years ago we played together at Sevilla and three years ago we were at New Orleans. We have watched each other develop and I am excited to be back in the same dressing room," he stressed.

Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Hernangomez and his Barca teammates have found a way to foster team spirit.

"We have a card game called 'Pocha.' We started with the national team and now we have brought it into our locker room.

It's a fun card game and everybody plays: players, coaches, physios. When we have some free time or on trips it’s a great way to come together and spend some time together."

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