Real Madrid used to enjoy the talent of players like Luka Doncic, Willy Hernangomez, and Usman Garuba in their first team before they left for the USA. However, in recent years, most of the Los Blancos prospects left the club before even making a debut in the first team, joining the NCAA, the G League, or the Overtime Elite. A trend that is becoming increasingly worrisome for European basketball
If there is a trend that has been characterizing European basketball more and more in recent years, it is certainly that of the loss of much of the young talent in continental basketball, who often end up flying to the United States or otherwise to other continents when they have not yet even made their debut with the first team.
Opportunities outside Europe have increased significantly. College, which already offered significant academic and growth prospects, can now also provide important economic incentives to some of Europe's best prospects thanks to NIL deals.
The G League, thanks to the presence of G League Ignite, has become an important outlet for several players who want to develop their best chances of being selected at the NBA draft.
In short, it is becoming increasingly difficult for European clubs to retain talent. However, this is not only a matter for smaller clubs but also European powerhouses, such as Real Madrid.
Indeed, looking back over the past few years, Real is increasingly struggling to keep its best prospects because
