SNAPSHOT

An impressive wing with an impressive motor and excellent defensive traits, Hugo Gonzalez is coming into the 2025 NBA Draft after spending time at a professional level with Real Madrid overseas, and is a sneaky lottery chance at the intake in Chicago.

Although his court time was limited in such a strong competition, he can lock down defensively, score heavily inside and could develop into a strong shooter in the coming years if developed properly at the top level when he is selected.

DRAFT PROFILE

Born in Madrid, Gonzalez was likely to end up down the basketball path given both parents played at a professional level at some stage. He joined Real Madrid's youth team at the age of nine, and progressed extremely well over the next decade.

He was the standout on the team's U18 squad, and led Real Madrid to victory at the Next Generation Tournament in two consecutive years, winning the MVP award in his second campaign. During that tournament, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

He joined Real Madrid's senior team at just 16 years of age, becoming the youngest player to play at the ACB in club history. He made his debut in early October, playing for just over three minutes and pouring in four points in a promising start.

Although his court time was limited, Gonzalez still showed glimpses whenever he got the opportunity, and did it all against fully developed opponents, which is in stark contrast to the collegiate system.

STRENGTHS

+ Defensive impact
+ Shooting potential
+ Inside scoring
+ High motor

IMPROVEMENTS

- Limited experience
- Ball handling

Gonzalez looks likely to develop into an extremely versatile defender with his impressive motor and relentless efforts on that side of the ball. He puts in multiple defensive efforts per possession, and with his impressive height, can certainly become someone who can guard all five positions.

Although not the most reliable shooter as it stands, the blueprint is certainly there and enough to encourage NBA scouts that it could become a strength in the future. On the eye test, his form is solid, and his work at the free throw line suggests that will be a key part of his game for years to come, and if his three-point shooting can follow suit it will be massive for his game.

As it stands, he is best scoring the basketball when driving inside, using his athleticism to finish at the cup despite any defensive attention. He can time his cuts without the ball perfectly, while also being perfectly capable of bouncing in off the dribble.

One knock on his game was how little playing time he got with Real Madrid, meaning he was unable to truly display his skills relative to some of his peers in the draft class. However, his junior career meant he already had the runs on the board and has likely still impressed NBA scouts.

DRAFT PROJECTION: First round

Although he is a slight chance to be picked in the lottery on draft night, it is safe to say Gonzalez is a first round selection at the very least. With excellent defensive traits and plenty of upside offensively, Gonzalez is one to watch on the first night of the draft.