Thoughts on Juan Fernandez’s Performance Against Baskonia in a Spanish ACB League Game

September 27^th, 2023

I decided to take the time to watch Rio Breogan’s 6-10 big man, Juan Fernandez play in a September 24^th game against Baskonia in a Spanish ACB League game, with thanks to YouTube via Mickey Mickeal, as it was split up into the first and second half. Juan Fernandez has been solidly productive in his role in one of the best leagues from around the world, so I wanted to watch him play to get a better feel for his overall skills. Here are my thoughts on how he fared, as well as how his game may translate to the NBA. Also, for those that are interested in the box score of this game, here is the link.

Juan Fernandez put forth a solid performance in his team’s loss to Baskonia. He is an agile, energetic big man that excelled at making hustle plays on offense, and he also rebounded the ball well in this game. He still struggled defensively, but he generally played well in this game.

Fernandez showed a knack for scoring on hustle plays. He excelled at scoring on quick put backs as well as on fast breaks, and he would run the floor to score in transition. He also drove quickly up the floor and managed to draw free throws on a strong, high-flying dunk attempt once.

He also was able to score out of the post. He was able to use an assortment of moves to do so, although it seemed as if he was able to get away with traveling to score from the block that time, and it seemed as if he was walking with the ball prior to scoring on the play. Fernandez was very efficient as a scorer and he often would capitalize by scoring on hustle plays. On the other hand though, he didn’t seem to look to take many outside shots in this game.

He also showcased satisfactory playmaking skills. Fernandez was able to flash to the middle of the paint as he then threw a quick, accurate bounce pass to set up a score for a teammate at the rim. He is a good passer that can make passes out of the post, and he was able to throw a crosscourt pass to find an open corner shooter. He also will push the ball up the floor at times, and he can accelerate to create scoring chances for himself on the break.

Plus, he showed a solid ability to rebound the basketball. He was able to haul in boards on both ends of the floor, and sometimes he would push the ball up the court afterwards. On one play though, he didn’t box out his man as he sort of wildly jumped up and chased after the ball but missed, and his team wound up allowing a put back score.

Defensively, Fernandez looked to be about average at best. For the positives, he was able to make some defensive plays when defending out on the perimeter. When defending a drive out on the perimeter, he was able to successfully draw a charge. Another time, he rotated on a switch, and he stayed with his man to contest a shot off the dribble to force a miss. However, there would be times where he would be caught ball watching or wandering around, and he would lose track of his man and be late to rotate, which would lead him to commit fouls and allow scores. Other times, he would give up too much space and sag too far off his man, which would lead him to give up open jump shots and passing lanes.

Overall, Fernandez is an agile, energetic big man that excelled as a finisher and rebounder in this game, but he will need to improve his focus defensively, and he will need to add more range to his jump shot to be a more dynamic offensive player in the future. Still, he is excelling in his role in his current league, and he could project to be an effective backup center in the NBA.

All in all, those are my thoughts on how Juan Fernandez played in this game. Thanks for reading.