The Catalan you don't know yet who could end up playing in the NBA

BarcelonaA few days ago, Sergio Scariolo announced the list of players to compete in the Eurobasket with the Spanish national team, and Isaac Nogués, the Catalan player who just signed a contract with the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, was not among those chosen. Away from the media and fans' spotlight, the 21-year-old from Badalona hopes to complete the surprise and debut in the best league in the world.

Nogués has signed a contract displayed 10 with the Sacramento Kings. The Badalona native will play in the Summer League with the franchise, which when the season starts could sign him, release him, or give him playing time to the Stockton Kings, who compete in the G League. His contract is the minimum, but his salary is guaranteed. Most players in his situation aspire to one. two-way, an option that allows him to alternate between both teams. If he makes his NBA debut, he would become the sixth Catalan to do so. Pau Gasol, Raúl López, Juan Carlos Navarro, Marc Gasol, and Ricky Rubio were his predecessors.

"It's the challenge of a lifetime. I want to do well, and I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself because I know a lot of people will be watching me," explains Nogués, who will make his Summer League debut this Thursday, July 10. The tournament will be held, as usual, in Las Vegas. "I've always looked up to the NBA, so imagine how excited I am to have an opportunity like this," he adds.

"The night of the draft It was long and I was able to experience it with my friends and family. I was very nervous," admits the player, who was in contact with his representative all night. No franchise chose him, but shortly after he received the Kings' offer. "Being drafted I was very excited, but only a year ago I was playing in Leb Plata and, therefore, I am very excited about this opportunity. Signing a contract with an NBA team is an honor," says Nogués.

Nogués is a defensive specialist who does not stand out offensively. This season he has played an average of 23.8 minutes with the Rip City Remix, the team linked to the Portland Trail Blazers that competes in the G League, La 5, 2 La 5, 2 La 9, 2 and 2, 5 points. 4.6 assists. His coach has been the Catalan Sergi Oliva, who has used him many minutes as a point guard.

"I don't believe many of the things that are happening to me," he admits. workout With them, the franchise put a contract on the table. "It was an unexpected offer," Nogués admits. The Catalan was called up to the Spanish B team, a team coached by Jaume Ponsarnau. The Badalona native will be in training from July 29 to August 7, during which time friendlies against the Czech Republic and Portugal will be played.

Basketball Family

Nogués's father was also a promising basketball player, but he never made it past Barça's junior level. He developed in Joventut's youth system, where he played for 12 seasons trying to imitate the moves of his idol, Magic Johnson. In the summer of 2023, he won the U-19 World Cup with the Spanish national team, and after a season with Lobe Huesca, he moved to the United States, where he made a name for himself in the G League. His selection among the top five defenders in the competition put his name on the radar of several NBA teams, who offered him training sessions to see him in person. His pending subject is shooting, but he has been working with specific specialists for some time.