Two years ago, ratiopharm Ulm signed Juan Nunez, an 18-year-old build-up player from Real Madrid’s youth ranks. Now Nunez is moving on – to Real’s big arch-rivals
Juan Nunez is undoubtedly one of the most promising talents that European basketball currently has to offer. That’s why a transfer of the then 18-year-old to ratiopharm Ulm, which has set itself the goal of giving young top talents the opportunity to get plenty of playing time for several years now, seemed like exactly the right move for the Spaniard in the summer of 2022. And the expectations of both sides were fulfilled. Ulm sensationally became German champions in Nunez’s first season on the Danube and the point guard also continued to develop over time.
It was therefore already clear before the end of the season that Ulm would not be able to keep Nunez after two years. And the move to Barcelona, the arch-rivals of his youth club Real Madrid of all places, seemed to be a hot one for a long time. Now the Catalans have announced the signing of Nunez. The now 20-year-old has signed a contract with Barcelona until 2027
Nunez’s NBA rights are with the Spurs
In his second year in Ulm, the Spanish international averaged 9.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in the Bundesliga. In the Eurocup, he even averaged 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He will now compete with Barcelona in the Spanish ACB, the best national league in Europe, as well as in the Euroleague.
And Nunez could also make an impact in the NBA in the future: he was picked 36th in this year’s NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers, who immediately passed on his transfer rights to the San Antonio Spurs. As is well known, another huge talent from Europe also plays there: Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
