NBA
NBA sharks circle Real Madrid star
NBA scouts watched rising Spanish prospect Hugo González in action.
![NBA scouts watched rising Spanish prospect Hugo González in action.](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/BIMGIRVMV5DIHK5GBK7WV7G65E.jpg?auth=f2a32f265b1a40c90e5cfbdf93138ff4960d0cf726acd2f577c88249fd02b274&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
NBA scouts were in attendance to watch promising young forward Hugo González during Real Madrid’s matchup against Leyma Coruña. ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony had high praise for the 18-year-old’s performance.
Last week, Real Madrid hosted Leyma Coruña at the Movistar Arena, taking on the league’s bottom-ranked team in a game that ultimately secured Madrid the top spot in the standings.
The contest, which ended in a dominant 90-74 victory for Madrid, saw González take centre stage. The 18-year-old academy standout logged more minutes than anyone else on the team (29:14), ahead of seasoned players like Serge Ibaka (27:27) and Eli John Ndiaye (25:32). González finished the game with eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
NBA scouts were closely monitoring the young Spaniard, and for good reason. According to ESPN’s latest projections, González is expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, currently slotted at No. 13.
The 2024 draft class is shaping up to have a strong European presence, and Givony—one of the most respected analysts in the field—spoke highly of the teenager’s poise and efficiency: “Watched Hugo Gonzalez get a season-high 29 minutes for Real Madrid alongside several NBA teams. Played a clean, efficient game making 3s, blocking shots and playing an unselfish under control style that bodes well for future playing time.”
‘He has the potential to be a really special player’
Following the game, Real Madrid head coach Chus Mateo also had glowing remarks about his young star, particularly praising his commitment to the team while acknowledging that there’s still room for growth. “He’s a smart player with a great work ethic, solid physical tools, a nice shooting touch, and strong defensive instincts—plus he helps on the boards,” Mateo said.
“The only thing he’s missing is the experience that comes with age, but that’s not a problem. There’s no rush—he’ll get there in time.” He added, “I don’t play him just because he’s young. I play him because he’s good. He has the potential to be a really special player.”
González has been with Real Madrid’s youth system since the age of nine and made his first-team debut in late 2022 during an ACB game against Monbus Obradoiro, logging just over three minutes in a 93-79 victory. His rookie season saw limited playing time, but he made significant strides in his second year, contributing more and making his EuroLeague debut in a 99-70 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. Now in his third season with Real Madrid, González has earned a much bigger role, and the NBA’s top teams are taking notice.
With his skill set and maturity, González could be a perfect fit for many teams in the NBA. As draft night approaches, expect his name to be a hot topic in front offices across the league.
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