Juan Nunez

Juan Nunez (PG | 194 cm | ‘04) ~ Spain

11.6 pts, FG2-52.7%, FG3-42.9%, FT-62.5%, 3.9 reb, 4.9 ast, 1.6 st, 2.1 to, 0.0 blck

Finished as the tournament MVP. Juan was one of the best players in Spain’s team even though he could still play for the U18 team and was two years younger than competition. He showed once again his wizardry and tried many advanced passes but some of them were not accurate enough to find the target. You rarely see a basic chest pass from him and I believe he could limit his turnovers if he would play it safe more often. He has an aggressive first step and can get to the rim while I still have doubts about his shooting form and if he will be able to become a reliable shooting threat in the future. Stil too left-hand dominant and needs to improve his right hand. A creative playmaker that from time to time wants to show too much and not all teams will take the gamble on his risk taking. 

Juan Nunez (PG | 190 cm | ‘04) ~ Spain

7.3 pts, 2FG-44.2%, 3FG-0%, FT-61.9%, 2.0 rebs, 2.9 ast, 1.4 stl, 2.9 to, 0 blks

Juan Nunez is one of the most fun to watch players and amazes everyone with his creativity since his early days. Most of the time his teammates are not on the same level with his understanding of the game and this results in many turnovers. His turnover and assists numbers are usually similar and he would need to limit those turnovers and play a little “safer”. Strong and crafty with a well developed frame and body for his age. He knows how to use his body in around the rim finishes where he is showing some soft touch too. Shot from distance is still shaky and he will need to improve it if he wants to be an important factor on the highest level.

Juan Nunez (’04), Real Madrid, 6’3.5”, PG
10.8pts, 2FG-50%, 3FG-30%, FT-72.7%, 5.3reb, 6ast, 0.8stl, 3.8to, 0blk
(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

Arguably the most promising true point guard in Europe right now under the age of 20. Juan is super fun to watch, plays with creativity and flare. Reads the game very well, was putting on a passing clinic throughout the whole event. Beautifully distributing the ball in fast attack with one-handed outlets, well-timing his deliveries to rollers but also founding bigs above the rim. Quite a showman, but sometimes had moments where he a bit unnecessarily overcomplicated his passes which resulted in turnovers.

Shooting numbers look better than last year, had a couple of nice moments, but still not consistent enough. Juan strangely positions his off-hand on the ball, almost on top of it, which could be a reason for his inaccuracy. Made some tough finishes inside with either hand, but still, in some situations, he avoids using his right hand and blows pretty easy close shots. Crafty, can be deceptive in the lane clearing opponents out of his way with pass fakes and hesitations. Active off the ball, looking for cuts. Usually aware on defense, done a good job 1 on 1 and regularly helped on the glass.

Juan Nunez (PG | 190cm | ‘04) ~ Real Madrid

Named the MVP of the tournament despite being two years younger that the competition. The next best Spanish PG possess full bag of tricks, creativity and top notch playmaking skills. Super crafty lefty playmaker sports quite strong upper body frame, low gravity center, finishing touch and excellent pace shifting which makes it super hard to defend his drives. Terrific ball handling and in general every aspect of individual technique. Oozes with passing ability, you have to be ready to catch the ball in the least expected moment and spot if you play with him when and where almost noone else could try and deliver the ball. Potentially a pick and roll virtuoso who could perhaps already hold his own at times while competing vs players like Facundo Campazzo at Real Madrid acb team practises. For wonder kid his A/To numbers are still not amazing (had some disappointing moments vs big pressure or double teams) but playing vs older competition explains it a bit. He may not grow more, need to improve the right hand but definitely possess something that you can’t teach to 99.9% of players which ultimately with further development can allow him to translate his genius for every level.

Juan started every game on the bench but that didn’t stop him from having a very impactful tournament. He was a second 2004-born player selected to the All-Star Five after showcasing a lot of maturity, feel and understanding of the game for a such a young player. Left-handed, great vision, super creative on passes with already nice ball control and aggressive dribble. Able to confidently drive inside, draw attention and split the defense with strong one-handed deliveries to the weak side, a lot of drive&kick action. At the moment he prefers to drive left and generally operate with his stronger hand and also has a tendency of gambling a bit and not being fully accurate with his passes. Sees pockets for penetrations inside, not afraid to play 1×1 and eager to take care of the ball and create in important moments, like those cold-blooded FT’s to tie the game and take it to OT against Serbia. Was able to step up a notch in big games.

Defensively  needs few improvements, sometimes is getting too deep in rotation trying to help inside but leaving his man without coverage, flashes looking for steals or hops instead of sliding. Nonetheless, he presented nice defensive instincts trying to encourage double-teams in full or half-court defense, slashing through passing lanes, poking balls loose on help or being active on the glass. Despite risky impulses in his game Juan presented himself as a top prospect in his age category and finished with 10.6pts, 4.1reb, 3.7ast, 3.3to and 2.3stl.

Juan is 2004 player, whose height is 188cm and plays point guard position. Recently he earned the MVP from Minicopa Endesa 2018 after winning the final against Iberostar Canarias. Despite being one year younger than others, he has played with the flashiness regarding handles and passing ability. He plays really good in isolations from anywhere in the court as he is able to throw his defender to the floor with some ankle breakers. Moreover when arriving nearby the rim he is crafty finisher. He is not an elite shooter but can take his shots from the three point line. He converted 43% 3pt but mostly from the corner. He doesn’t lack confidence but needs to improve his pull-up jumper as he was very inaccurate during the tournament.