New Celtics star Hugo González reveals incredible dedication to Boston

Hugo González’s first official NBA appearance is just around the corner. The 19-year-old Spanish prospect, drafted this year by the Boston Celtics, has shown promising flashes during preseason. Now comes the real test.

The Celtics tip off their 2025-26 campaign on Wednesday night with modest expectations for the season. The franchise has cleared a significant amount of salary cap space but still boasts superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The team will compete, of course, though chasing another championship after their 2024 title doesn’t appear to be an immediate priority. That could open the door for González to earn meaningful minutes, and he may have landed in just the right situation.

“Everyone here plays at such a high level”

Ahead of his debut, González spoke with Spanish radio show El Larguero, where he answered questions from host Manu Carreño and basketball journalist Marta Casas. The Madrid native shared what it’s been like joining one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

“I’ve met Tatum, and I’ve also been really impressed by Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White,” González said. “They’ve all surprised me. The level here is incredible, and the way they understand the game is on another level.”

After moving from Real Madrid’s locker room to one filled with NBA stars, González is taking in every moment of his rapid rise.

“I haven’t gone at 3 a.m., but I’ve gone pretty early”

The young forward also revealed a bit about his new routine — and his dedication. “They let you go shoot at the facility whenever you want. Obviously, no coach is going to come with you if it’s three in the morning, but if you want to go on your own, you can,” he said with a laugh.

When asked if he’s actually done that, González replied, “At 3 a.m.? Definitely not. But I have gone pretty early. My first few days in Boston, I went really early because I couldn’t get used to the time difference.” Since he was already awake, he figured he might as well get some extra work in.

From Madrid prodigy to the NBA spotlight

González is still adjusting to life in the United States, but his debut is almost here. His rise has been swift: on October 2, 2022, he made his professional debut in Spain’s ACB League with Real Madrid in a 93-79 win over Monbus Obradoiro. At just 16 years, 7 months, and 27 days old, he became the fourth-youngest player ever to appear in an ACB game for Real Madrid, scoring four points in just over three minutes.

Nearly three years later, he’s set to fulfill another dream - playing in the NBA, and with the Boston Celtics no less, the most successful franchise in league history with 18 championships. For Spanish basketball fans, it’s another chapter in a remarkable tradition of talent making its mark across the Atlantic.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.