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Hugo González: "Playing for the Celtics is a responsibility. You can feel the history and tradition here"

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The Spanish basketball player will live his NBA debut at age 19. "I feel like I'm fulfilling a dream, that of playing with the best in the world."

Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez.
Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez.AP

It's nine o'clock in the morning in Boston and Hugo González (Madrid, 2006), the latest prodigy of Spanish basketball, answers EL MUNDO's call shortly before heading to the Auerbach Center. It's his first interview with a Spanish media outlet and it will be one of his last training sessions before making his debut with the Celtics on Thursday against the Sixers at the start of the NBA season. "You look up at the ceiling and see all those retired jerseys. Havlicek, Robert Parish, Larry Bird... I'm starting to learn about all that history, you can feel the tradition. It's the franchise with the most rings, it's not just any team. That's why I consider wearing this jersey a responsibility," he reflects.

It has been a unique and intense summer for the González Peña family. Since June 26, just hours after winning La Liga with Real Madrid in Valencia, the early hours of the morning brought the selection of their eldest son in 28th place in the draft. Montse, a former professional player, and Darío, the youngest (now 14), who is following in her footsteps, moved to the capital of New England. They also brought their dog, Kora. Paco, a Madrid basketball legend, stayed behind for work reasons. Everything revolves around basketball, ever since his childhood in San Agustín de Guadalix. "I grew up in that environment and I am very grateful for it. Thanks to my parents, I never missed a practice or a game. They made a huge effort."

How are you adapting to the NBA and the US?

Well, although everything takes time, obviously. So far, things are going well. The city is very beautiful, with lots to see. It has history and, luckily, it's a bit 'European', with buildings that aren't so tall, so to speak. With the help of the Celtics, I'm adapting well. After the Summer League, I went back to Spain for 10 days and I've been here since August 9, more than two months. It's new for everyone, especially my mother and brother, who don't speak the language very well yet.

You do, right? Your own coach made that clear, very angry about some confusing information.

I paid the price for not being clear, even though I had been warned. I was taken out of context. And I'm grateful to Mazzulla. I was shocked by his reaction.

Did you feel that the NBA was the next step in your career?

I thought about it for a long time, and it was the direction I wanted to go in. I thought it was good for me. Immediately, but especially for the future. Luckily, I've never regretted my decisions. I was clear about it, even though one day I played well and three articles came out, and another month I didn't play much for Madrid and it seemed like they forgot about me a little.

Apart from the opportunities to go to the NCAA, my personal preference was always to stay and compete with Real Madrid. I was staying with players, almost all of whom had played in the NBA for several years. It was going to be the closest thing to having a rookie year without being in the NBA. That's what I thought. I've never wanted to take giant steps, always intermediate ones.

Did you expect to play more last season?

The season was a learning experience. I've had role models who are super successful players, legends in national and international basketball. You want to be like the ones you're watching. You see their routine, how they work, what has made them who they are, and you just try to replicate that.

Especially Rudy. Was he that important?

I've always liked Rudy a lot, ever since I was a kid. I wanted to play like him. Especially when I started developing more as a forward. I would watch videos of his plays over and over again to analyze the mental process he followed in each case. A year with him, the last of his career, was more than an experience, it was a privilege. I am very grateful that he taught me so many things. When the Palacio gave him a standing ovation in his last game, something changed. I stopped idolizing him like the kid who used to watch him on TV and be amazed, or when I ran into him in Valdebebas. On the day of his farewell, I thought, 'I hope one day I can have something like that'.

And from Madrid to the Celtics, possibly the two most successful teams in basketball history.

The truth is, I didn't know anything on draft night; everything is a surprise. But when the Celtics selected me, it was a huge opportunity. It's a responsibility. I'm not Hugo González as a basketball player. I'm Hugo González, a Celtics player. He represents a very successful organization. And they expect the best from you, on and off the court.

With Tatum out with a long-term injury, what's your goal this season and what role do you envision?

Even though Jayson isn't here right now, the goal is still to win. Personally, I don't have a defined role. I have to give the team what it needs at any given moment. They know my characteristics. They ask me to try to explode, to play the way I know how. To dominate the court.

He's showered with praise for his defense and intensity.

When you've gotten this far doing one thing, the least they expect from you is that you try to give the same. I know I can improve in everything I do in basketball, but I also know that what I do best comes from the desire I put into it and the effort I dedicate. If there's one thing I can always maintain in my career, it's that.

When they ask their friends what they'd like to know about the NBA world?

I try to explain that, for example, for every job at a European club, there are three or four people here. Imagine, there's almost one coach per player. Tasks that may seem minor, people working behind the scenes who make this work so wonderfully.

And the rookie hazing?

Not much. So far, the most I've experienced is carrying a deck of cards on the plane.

How is his development as a player going?

I'd love to tell you something specific I need to improve on... My shooting, I need to be more reliable and consistent. Not having one great day and two bad ones. My decision-making, my dribbling, some defensive readings... A bit of everything. Luckily, I still have a lot left to do.

What's Joe Mazzulla like, a 37-year-old coach?

Very demanding, but that's fine. I prefer it. He expects the most exquisite perfection from you every day. He pushes you until he gets everything you can give. And he forges very strong personal relationships.

Who are your NBA idols?

I've always really liked Ginóbili. He's my favorite NBA player. I'll stick with him. I faced Santi Aldama in preseason, which, being the only two Spaniards, was fun. And it will be special with Luka (Doncic), because of what he means to Madrid and to the young players who have emerged from there.

Do you feel like everything is happening too fast for you?

I feel like I'm fulfilling a dream, that of being among the best in the world. Something you set as a goal when you're a kid. Because I've always wanted more. I've always been ambitious, and I'm proud of that. I've wanted to play at the Palacio since I was 14. And when I arrived at my first preseason with Madrid, when I wasn't even 17, I thought, 'Now things are getting serious.' That first day of training, I was there, and suddenly, Chacho and Tavares appeared around me... I've always wanted those things to happen. And when they happen, despite all the nerves in the world, you enjoy it.