Raul Neto has signed with FC Barcelona until the end of the season.
Raul Neto has signed with FC Barcelona until the end of the 2024-25 season. The Brazilian point guard, who holds an Italian passport, will strengthen the squad following Nicolas Laprovittola's long-term injury.
"I come with many hopes and desires. I've already spoken to a couple of players, I've seen the games and I'm ready to play and help the team as much as possible", he told the club's website.
The Brazilian player has undergone the medical tests at the Hospital de Barcelona and the Medical Services of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. He arrives from Esporte Clube Pinheiros of the Brazilian league, where he had returned after 13 of playing abroad, and where he recorded 16.8 points, 5 assists, 17.8 in rating and 20 minutes of play per game in five outings.
According to BasketNews, Neto had a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave for the EuroLeague or the NBA.
The 32-year-old began his professional career in 2008 with Minas Tenis Clube. After a few years in Spain, he played for 8 years in the NBA, representing the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Before the 2023-24 campaign, Neto signed with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul but didn't make a single appearance for the club due to a rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee.
Neto represented Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 4.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 7.0 EFF in two appearances.
He also played in one game during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament but made only one appearance after a left thigh strain.
"Now I am in the best moment of the last two years. I have fully recovered from my knee and I have regained my rhythm. I feel very good and I think about the effort and all the hard times I've experienced in the last year to reach one of the best teams in Europe like Barca, compete and win titles", he commented.
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