Getting to Know Nuggets Rookie Juan Hernangomez

Basketball Pedigree

Juan Hernangomez was born  on September 28, 1995 in Madrid Spain. Hernangomez was born into a basketball family, with his father playing professional basketball in Spain for Estudiantes. His mother was an Olympian in the sport of basketball for Spain as well.

Juan also has two siblings playing professional basketball, with his sister Andrea playing for Estudiantes and his brother Willy recently signing a deal with the New York Knicks. Both Juan and Willy grew up dreaming of one day playing in the NBA, idolizing players like Pau and Marc Gasol.

With the rest of his family involved in basketball, it was only natural for Juan to become involved as well. He began playing competitive basketball in Spain as a teenager, gaining valuable experience with teams like Las Rozas and Real Madrid. When asked during a post draft interview whether there was a moment he knew he wanted to be in the NBA, he stated:

"“When you are a kid you dream of the NBA. You play video games of players in the NBA, so you start working thinking of the NBA.”"

Hernangomez would sign his first professional contract in 2012 with Estudiantes and launch his journey into the NBA.

Next: Professional Career