Hugo Gonzalez Adapts to American Basketball and Culture

BOSTON – Several new additions are in the process of adapting to Celtics basketball, but none face a steeper learning curve than Hugo Gonzalez. 

The 19-year-old rookie is not only adjusting to a new style of hoops; he’s adjusting to a new way of life. 

Gonzalez is in the midst of an arduous Celtics training camp, balancing NBA-level physicality and a fast-paced style of play with learning new terminology in a second language. On top of that, the Spanish wing is adjusting to a new culture thousands of miles from home. 

It’s a lot for a teenager to process, but Gonzalez is taking it all in stride.

“I think that I'm on a great path, but I think that you always have something to learn,” he said Saturday following Day 4 of camp. “I'm learning about the more about the culture. Learning about Boston as a franchise, as a city, and adapting to American basketball. It's different from European. It will take a bit time. But I'll try to [adjust] as soon as possible.”

There is one factor in Gonzalez’s favor that not many rookies possess: years of professional experience already under his belt. Prior to the Celtics drafting him with the No. 28 overall pick in June, he had played three seasons of pro ball with Real Madrid, debuting when he was just 16 years old.

While most rookies were playing alongside and against college players at this time last year, Gonzalez was playing with a plethora of former NBA players and top international talent. He did so at a high level, helping Real Madrid capture its second straight La Liga championship.

“They play a very physical game, and there's a professionalism that they have there,” said Gonzalez’s new head coach, Joe Mazzulla. “So I think there's a lot of stuff on and off the court that his environment has prepared him for. 

“At the same time, it's a different language, there are different schemes, there are different rules, the court is different, and so you just have to get used to playing those. But he's got an open mind, and he's playing with effort, so that's all that matters right now through three days.”

Handling the fast-paced style of play has probably been one of the easier parts of camp for Gonzalez, relatively speaking. Like Mazzulla said, he plays with a ton of effort – especially on the defensive end, as he showed during Summer League.

His main challenge has been learning all of the new terminology. He says his coaches are being extra helpful so that he can get it all down, even attempting to speak to him in his native tongue.

 “They try to speak Spanish,” Gonzalez laughed. “I would say that if there’s anything I need, they told me if they have to explain it twice, that’s no problem. I have to put a lot of effort – more than anybody that speaks English. I've got to be more attentive.”

Outside of basketball, Gonzalez has been growing accustomed to the New England way. He’s enjoyed walking the streets of Boston and trying out new food. He even made it out to a Patriots game last weekend with some of his teammates, where they assisted Mark Wahlberg in the pregame ringing of the lighthouse bell.

It was his first time at an American football game and, well, he has some learning to do on the gridiron, too.

“I don't know anything about American football, so I was just watching people running, honestly,” he said with a grin. “But it’s cool to get into the culture and to see a different sport, getting out of the comfort zone.”

Gonzalez will spend plenty of time outside his comfort zone in the coming weeks, but he should be in great shape as long as he maintains the same level of focus and eagerness he’s displayed through the first week of camp. 

“He’s doing everything he’s been asked of so far and just has to continue to get better,” said Mazzulla.