2025 NBA Draft: Hugo González Scouting Report
Evaluating the Spain and Real Madrid wing ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
DRAFT EVALUATION: Top 30-45
LAST BIG BOARD: N/R
NBA ROLE: Off-ball wing
REMINDS ME OF: Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, Terrance Ferguson, Usman Garuba, 1% Jaylen Brown
RAW STATS: 3.4 PTS, 1.8 REB, 0.6 AST to 0.6 TOV, 0.2 STL, 0.3 BLK, 1.8 PF in 10.7 MINS over 61 GAMES
ADVANCED STATS: 654 TOTAL MINS, 17.0 USG%, 53.0 TS%, 5.6 OREB%, 14.2 DREB%, 8.9 AST%, 15.7 TOV%, 1.0 A/TO, 1.2 STL%, 3.0 BLK%, 0.3 FTA/FGA, 9.9 PER
Background:
Birthday: June 26, 2005
Height: 6-foot-6¼1
Wingspan: 6-foot-10¾
Standing reach: 8-foot-5½
Weight: 223 pounds
From El Molar, on the northern outskirts of Madrid, Spain. Father is Paco González. Mother is Montserrat Peña. Both played basketball for Estudiantes, Real Madrid’s city rival, at the youth level. Paco (203cm/6-foot-8) then played in lower divisions for teams such as Guadalajara or Alcalá. Mother played for Alcalá, as well.
In 2015, started playing basketball for local club San Agustín del Guadalix. Joined Real Madrid in 2017 at the U-12 level (infantil in Spain), playing one year up. This happened after he played a local youth tournament (2017 Minibasket de la Roda) with Real Madrid and impressed the team. In September 2018 as a 12 y/o, he was measured at 5-foot-10. Played second consecutive Minibasket de la Roda tournament and was named Finals MVP.
Quickly progressed up Real Madrid’s youth ranks, playing up in age most of the time. In June 2019, led Real Madrid’s Infantil A team to a national championship, scoring 21 points in the final. In 2020, broke out on a wider national scale at Sant Vicenç de Montalt Tournament in January and then the Spanish Minicup (U-14) in February. Rest of the year is lost due to COVID.
In April 2021, made his junior (16-17 y/os) debut with Real Madrid at only 15 y/o, scoring 10 points. In June, was called up for Madrid’s junior team again despite playing up to 3 years in age with the likes of Tristan Vukcevic (2003) or Baba Miller (2004). In August, represented Madrid’s provincial team in the Spanish cadete national championships. To start 2021-22 season, was named Tournament MVP and Finals MVP of the U-16 La Orotava International Tournament in September while being 15.
In 2021-22, also played 10 games in the Spanish fourth division (Liga EBA) with Real Madrid’s team there. Averaged 5.5 points (34.8 FG%, 27.3 3P%), 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals against grown men. Had a 15-point game while still being 15 y/o. Finished season by getting called up by Spain for the 2022 U-17 World Cup as the only 2006-born player in the squad. Said that tournament helped him learn how to play off-ball.
Made his Real Madrid senior team debut on October 2, 2022, becoming the club’s fourth youngest player ever. Played 3 minutes and scored 4 points vs. Obradoiro. Kept playing for Real Madrid’s team in the Spanish fourth division, averaging 15.2 points (64.2 2P%, 25.9 3P%), 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.7 turnovers in 26 games (25.4 mins) against grown men.
One of the best players in Real Madrid’s recent dominant Adidas Next Generation Tournaments teams. Maybe even the best. Named 2023 ANGT Munich MVP as one of the youngest players there. Named 2024 ANGT Podgorica MVP after dropping 23/3/6 + 6 stocks in the championship game win.
On Spain Basketball radar since U-12 level. Now a full-fledged member of the Spanish men’s national team.
At 2022 U-17 World Cup, averaged 9.3 points (42.9 FG%, 7/25 from three), 5 rebounds, 1.1 assists to 1.9 turnovers, 0.7 steals, 0.6 blocks in 22.5 minutes.
At 2023 U-18 Euros, averaged 14.3 points (50.7 FG%, 7/23 from three), 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists to 2.4 turnovers, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 25.1 minutes.
At 2024 U-18 Euros, averaged 20.7 points (43.6 FG%, 10/48 from three), 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists to 3.6 turnovers, 2.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes.
Takeaway:
Hugo González’s draft stock hinges on his NBA-caliber athleticism and youth production in ANGT events with Real Madrid and in summer tournaments with Spain’s under-X teams.
In particular, league evaluators will probably remember his 16/4/3 game against Team USA in the 2022 U-17 World Cup. González looked the part against Cooper Flagg, Ron Holland, DJ Wagner, Asa Newell, and other top American prospects. For some executives who only tune in around draft time2, that very strong first impression against tough competition might be their lasting memory of the Spanish wing.
But by the time the 2025 draft rolls around, almost three years will have passed since that game, and González remains extremely unproven as a pro. This is largely due to a lack of minutes and continuity at Real Madrid. The difference in this draft cycle with Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, or Nolan Traoré — all of whom he’s shared the floor with — is striking. It’s also not shocking. The writing was on the wall for González to receive few minutes, as has been the case recently for Madrid’s top prospects. NBA teams either have to go watch González in practice or rely on his previous FIBA, NGT, and EBA tape. It’s unclear if he can get to the U.S. in time for pre-draft workouts.`
In an ideal outcome, González has the genuine positional size and athleticism to be a two-way NBA wing. He can zip around the floor using his motor and aggression to be disruptive on defense and then make spot-ups, attack closeouts, and offer some connective playmaking. This stretch in Real Madrid's ANGT win defines his appeal.
However, González’s reality is that he’s an inconsistent three-point shooter who needs to keep refining his ball skills and channeling his defensive tools more effectively. Hugo’s production at lower levels was impressive, but I’m ultimately unsure about the translation. His efficiency and process are too rough, too out of control, too often. González’s offense as a pro is a big question, his defense is more theoretical than proven, and his athleticism will match up but not stand out in the NBA. On top of all of this, it’s also necessary to weigh up that Hugo will need the next-level reps that he’s lacked so far.
As a result, I think González’s likeliest short-term outcome if he gets rushed along is that he’ll shoot threes in the low 30s, which isn’t enough offensive production, while simultaneously facing the challenge of defending NBA wings and guards. That recipe would likely lead to an eventual Euroleague return, but it can still mean a few years in the NBA. If an organization is patient, a median scenario for González can be an 82-game rotation wing who thrives off defense and energy, but probably has offensive limitations in the playoffs. The best draft fit would be a team with no expectations for rookies that could give him reps in the G League while slowly introducing him to the NBA.
Offense:
Lacks minutes and continuity. Averaging 13.8 minutes in 28 league (ACB) games. Drops to 7.5 minutes in 30 Euroleague games. Stretches on the court are short.
This season, total of 654 minutes in 61 total games. Last season, 83.6 minutes with Real Madrid’s first team.
Last few games (May) have seen an uptick in minutes. TBD if it continues in the playoffs.
Low usage (17.9 USG% in ACB, 16.4 USG% in Euroleague).
For comparison3 this season, Kasparas Jakucionis played 1051 minutes (31.8 per game) on 25.6 USG%, Egor Demin played 908 minutes (27.5 per game) on 25.8 USG%, and Nolan Traoré has played 1000 minutes (22.7 per game) on 30.4 USG%.
Schedule might not let him work out for NBA teams pre-draft. Spanish league playoffs can run through June 30.
Needs to make his catch-and-shoot threes with better efficiency and on more volume. Shaky output as a spot-up shooter despite projecting as an off-ball wing, at least in the short-term.
Willing, volume shooter. Used in Stack Pick-and-Roll, Curling (also around the free throw line), BOBs… But ultimately, this is not that valuable if the threes don’t go in.
29.3 3P% (22/75 … 1.2 3PA) this season. Previous percentages from deep don’t inspire much confidence, although he’s a good free throw shooter:
2024 U18 Euros: 68.8 FT% (33/48) in 7 GP … 20.8 3P% (10/48)
LIGA EBA 2023-24: 77.9 FT% (88/113) … 28.6 3P% (30/105)
C ESP JR 2023-24: 85.4 FT% (35/41) … 23.3 3P% (10/43)
ANGT RMA 2023-24: 82 FT% (41/50) in 24 GP … 24.1 3P% (14/58)
2023 U18 Euros: 85.2 FT% (23/27) in 7 GP … 30.4 3P% (7/23)
LIGA EBA 2022-23: 86.4 FT% (89/103) … 25.9 3P% (30/116)
C ESP JR 2022-23: 65 FT% (13/20) … 41.4 3P% (12/29)
ANGT RMA 2022-23: 83.7 FT% (36/43) in 12 GP is high FTr … 38.5 3P% (15/39)
2022 U17 WC: 62.5 FT% (10/16) in 7 GP … 28 3P% (7/25)
2021-22 CE SSAA: 66.7 FT% (12/18) … 45 3P% (9/20)
Has the means to attack closeouts if his three is falling. This is his bread-and-butter for Real Madrid right now, and probably early on in the NBA. “Fifth guy” spotting up in the corner/lifting to the wing fairly often.
Aggressive with his straight line drives to the basket. Strong first step. Plays with contact after touching the paint.
Makes the extra pass. Usually keeps it simple. Has not really tried advanced reads as a pro. Game has seemingly slowed down for him over the 12-18 months.
Needs to play more under control. Dribble/pass/shoot skillset still needs a lot of work. Has not gotten the necessary developmental reps against high-level competition. Even his youth reps have always come with high stakes at both Real Madrid and Spain (except maybe the 2024 U18 Euros which felt a bit experimental to me with González as the No. 1 option).
Limited to straight line drives. Doesn’t channel his athleticism productively.
Struggles in traffic. Gets rushed against length. Loses balance against contact. Also not that tall or positionally long to begin with (especially since I think he’s a 3, not a 2).
Doesn’t have counters. Only has a high gather/floatover. Maybe a crossover. Lacks creativity off the bounce, but hasn’t needed it so far to be productive.
Athletic tools and motor provide him with ancillary tools to be an effective off-ball wing. Can and will have to outwork his opponents a lot of the time, especially as his overall skillset needs a lot more polish.
Runs the floor really hard in transition. Needs to dunk more, but can play above the rim.
Cuts assertively towards the rim. Powerful first step comes into play. Doesn’t mind a hard collision.
Motor and above-the-rim athleticism can result in offensive rebounds. Needs to be careful to not pick up avoidable fouls with his body or reaching over the top. Tries hard.
Like with the rest of his game, everything has to keep slowing down. Has not done this consistently enough as a pro at Real Madrid, and the difficulty goes up in the NBA.
On-ball upside surrounds his slashing, but this has only been seen at youth levels. Can get the step on defenders in a straight line and get to the rim in 1-2 dribbles to finish or get fouled.
Needs to keep slowing down. Athletic advantages diminish as his level of competition scales up.
Signs of a hesi. Uses scoop finishes. Flashes a spin. Physical, as with the rest of his game.
I don’t think he dunks in the half-court unless it’s off-ball. Not sure how functional athleticism truly is — or even how athletic (think on a scale) he is relative to NBA counterparts, although I think he’s a league-caliber athlete.
Pull-up shooting is erratic. Willing to take shots, but can’t execute.
Ballhandling is very basic. Cannot create separation off the bounce.
Better when he’s not thinking, such as late in the shotclock.
Some intriguing flashes as a passer on low volume — but would need a lot of on-ball work to access this as a pro, and largely projects as an off-ball wing. Does not usually get experimental reps with Real Madrid due to low minutes and team context.
37 assists to 37 turnovers in 61 games this season. 8.9 AST% total (6.6 AST% in Euroleague / 10.4 AST% in ACB).
At youth levels, made some reads in the pick-and-roll. Upside is mostly about his drive+kick passes. Most of all, produced.
20 AST% to 9.1 TOV% at ANGT Podgorica … 24.8 AST% to 12.9 TOV% at ANGT Finals).
Defaults to jump passes when he improvises. Results in too many avoidable turnovers, although can have a flashy highlight once in a while.
Accuracy is very up-and-down. Bad passes can be really ugly. Also needs to be careful to not telegraph his intentions. Can predetermine when he’s going to pass vs. score.
Most worrying turnovers are with his handle. Basic and loose. Not crafty. Athleticism is about power, not flexibility. Can put his head down and lose control.
A few live dribble passes over time have caught my eye. But probably less than a handful, so worth nothing but can’t overthink.
Defense:
Plays extremely hard all the time. It’s very easy to tell how much he cares about winning and how hard he is on himself.
Outlier motor. Keeps running up and down the floor. Makes multiple efforts time and time again. Plays to exhaustion. Doesn’t quiet quit.
Body language could be better at times at youth levels — but usually was frustration with himself, not teammates.
Activity can create a lot of events. Able to get the stock and then the assist/score in the same play.
This season, 1.2 STL% across 61 games is just about acceptable due to context+minutes, and 3.0 BLK% (3.9 BLK% in Euroleague) is good.
67 stocks in 16 ANGT games with Real Madrid. Very productive and reliable in big games against top competition.
Jumps passing lanes. Active with his first step. Leads to breakaway finishes.
Impactful as the low man at youth levels. Solid pop off the floor.
Safe defensive floor, but doesn’t seem very high.
Can be annoying and hard to shake off on-ball, but not impossible. Isn’t that big, long, or athletic against pros.
Off-ball production is predicated on being in the passing lanes and, before, on sort of free-roaming and just being more athletic than his opponents.
Will match up well, but won’t out-run/jump/power his positional match-ups in the NBA.
Plenty of avoidable fouls. Up-and-down decision making. Has started to iron this out, but could be unnecessarily aggressive.
Needs to close out possessions more consistently. This has really popped with Real Madrid’s senior team, where his defensive production has been okay but nothing more.
Cannot afford defensive lapses if his offensive is shaky.
Has to secure the defensive rebound. Ensure he finds a body on the box-out. Not leave his feet too early. Navigate screens accurately.
Can sometimes seem a bit too eager to make a play, rather than just making sure nothing happens, so to speak.
Ability to get stops as a pro is more or less theoretical. Can fulfill the team scheme or stay in front of his man at a decent level, but it’s not like he’s stopping anyone.
At the same time, who can you stop if you’re only playing 10-15 minutes?
Not intended as a slight. People in NBA positions of power have varying responsibilities, and not everyone’s time and attention can be allotted towards the draft year-round.
Jakucionis and Demin USG% via Bart Torvik; Traoré via RealGM
Great write-up; I think he has a lot of potential, but he's definitely a boom-or-bust type of prospect.