Willy Hernangomez isn't phased by head coach Joan Penarroya benching him in multiple EuroLeague games and says he has to continue to improve his game and his approach.
Willy Hernangomez is one of the most expensive players on FC Barcelona's roster. However, he was benched by head coach Joan Penarroya multiple times in the last two weeks.
Notably, Hernangomez did not play against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, and he wasn't even registered for the EuroLeague Round 8 game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, although he was healthy in both cases.
The Spanish big man got his chance against Paris Basketball in Round 10 and led the team in PIR with 21 in his account in what ultimately was a 16-point loss at home.
"I accept anything that benefits the team. I'm just another teammate, just another player," Hernangomez said about him being benched in an interview with Marc del Río from SPORT. "Whether they rest me or I don't play, in the end, a teammate is playing with the same badge on his chest, and we have to support him."
Penarroya even said after the game that Hernangomez deserved to play more in the fourth quarter. However, Willy finished the game with just under 14 minutes of playing time on the scoresheet.
"The only thing I can do is control my attitude, control my practices, and try to be better every day, be prepared for when the opportunity comes, as it did against Paris, and move forward," the center said.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade
FC Barcelona
Paris Basketball
FC Bayern Munich