This week, Real Madrid gears up for the twenty-third round of the Euroleague, heading to the Movistar Arena to face Baskonia, now under the leadership of Pablo Laso. With twelve victories under their belt, the team currently sits in eighth place, just two wins shy of second place despite a recent setback against Olympiacos. Baskonia trails Real Madrid by three wins but remains determined to stay in contention for the play-in spots.
Under the guidance of Chus Mateo, Real madrid is set to debut Dennis Smith Jr., with the coaching staff aiming to integrate him into the lineup during the upcoming cup tournament in Gran Canaria (February 13-16). Though, Smith Jr. isn’t the only fresh addition. The club is on the verge of finalizing the signing of Angolan center Bruno Fernando (26 years old, 2.08 meters tall, and 110 kilograms). During a pre-game press conference, Mateo hinted at the need for reinforcements: “Any support we can get is fantastic. The physical demands of the Euroleague and ACB, combined with the travel schedule, require us to strengthen our squad. We need everyone at their best, and additional help will only boost our confidence.”
Mateo emphasized the importance of player recovery in such a grueling schedule. “Players must be in peak physical condition. High-intensity matches often leave them battered and bruised. It’s no exaggeration to call them superheroes. Competing while physically compromised can cost you dearly,” he remarked, referencing the injury challenges that plagued the team earlier in the season.
Bruno Fernando is no stranger to Madrid.The angolan international has ties to the city, having trained under Spanish coach Pep Clarós. Last summer, reports from solobasket.com revealed that Fernando worked at a technical training center in Madrid alongside Jorge Manzano, a coach from Real Madrid’s youth academy. Known for his imposing physique, Fernando brings intimidation and rebounding prowess to the table. After moving to the United States as a teenager, he spent two years at the University of Maryland before being selected 34th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Over six seasons in the NBA, Fernando has played 220 games for teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors, averaging 10 minutes, 4 points, and 3.2 rebounds per game. His arrival at Real Madrid is expected to bolster the team’s interior game,addressing the physical challenges faced by players like Ibaka and Garuba,and also the need for squad depth and the slow adaptation of younger talents.
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