Unicaja Baloncesto has reached an agreement to sign center Willy Hernangómez for the upcoming season. The 32-year-old, 6'10" Madrid native arrives in Málaga after an extensive career in the NBA and EuroLeague, establishing himself as a dominant force for the Spanish National Team.
Elite reinforcement for Unicaja's frontcourt. The club has reached an agreement to sign Spanish international center Guillermo 'Willy' Hernangómez (32 years old, 6'10") for the upcoming season. The Madrid-born player, arriving from Barcelona, lands in Málaga as one of the most prominent Spanish centers of the last decade. His experience at the highest level, his talent, and his leadership with the Spanish National Team make him a significant reinforcement for the team.
Willy Hernangómez stands out as a center with excellent finishing ability near the rim, notable footwork, and remarkable skill finishing with both hands. He combines this with strong rebounding instincts, the ability to create advantages in the low post, and good court vision to facilitate from the paint. His physical presence and basketball intelligence make him an offensive reference point and provide solid interior defense.
Distinguished Career
Developed through Real Madrid's youth system, he debuted with the club's reserve team before continuing his progression at Baloncesto Sevilla during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, where he established himself as one of Spain's brightest prospects. His excellent performance led to his return to Real Madrid in the 2015-16 campaign, when he won the Liga Endesa, the Copa del Rey, and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
In 2016, he made the jump to the NBA after being selected in the second round of the 2015 Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, though his rights were traded to the New York Knicks. Over eight seasons, he competed in the world's premier league with the New York Knicks (2016-February 2018), Charlotte Hornets (February 2018-November 2020), and New Orleans Pelicans (November 2020-2023), accumulating 344 games in the competition and showcasing his quality as one of Europe's most effective centers, averaging 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. His brilliant rookie season earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2017.
In the summer of 2023, he returned to European basketball to join Barcelona, where he competed again in Liga Endesa and the EuroLeague, providing experience and interior presence in the continent's top competition. Last season, he averaged 7.7 points (65.2% on two-pointers) and 3.9 rebounds in just 14 minutes of play in Liga Endesa, while in the EuroLeague he averaged 5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13 minutes.
Spanish National Team Reference
His trophy case with the Spanish National Team places him among the great references of Spanish basketball in recent years. He won the 2019 World Cup, the EuroBaskets of 2015 and 2022, earning the MVP award at EuroBasket 2022 (averaging 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and one assist), as well as the bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and bronze at EuroBasket 2017. His impact within the national team has been decisive over the last decade, making him one of the pillars of the generation that has kept Spain among the world's basketball superpowers.
Another important factor is that Willy Hernangómez knows Unicaja's head coach, Txus Vidorreta, with whom he coincided in the Spanish National Team during training camps in 2015 and 2016 when he was part of the coaching staff led by Sergio Scariolo. He has also shared a locker room in numerous national team call-ups with the team's captain, Alberto Díaz.
With the arrival of Willy Hernangómez, Unicaja incorporates a player of international stature and proven experience who will strengthen the team's interior game next season.
Welcome, Willy!