The NCAA steals Juan Fernández, 23, from Girona

ByDavid Mitchell

The flight of young and not so young talent to the NCAA continues with Bàsquet Girona suffering the impact in this case: the Catalan club says goodbye to Juan Fernández.

According to journalist Jonathan Givony, the 23-year-old, 6’10 Argentine forward has committed to South Carolina for next season.

Fernández will arrive in American university basketball as a full international with Argentina and after four seasons in the ACB between Fuenlabrada, Río Breogán and Girona in which he has played the last two seasons.

The center has been important this season for the Catalan team with numbers of 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1 assist and a 9.8 rating and at the beginning of his first campaign in the NCAA he will turn 24 years old in November.

The case of Juan Fernández will fuel the controversy surrounding American university basketball, which is increasingly attracting players with a certain experience and age like the Argentine, taking advantage of the succulent economic benefits of the NIL. Last year there were even 29-year-old players.

At the proposal of Donald Trump, the NCAA is working on a change in regulations to put an end to this trend, such as imposing an age limit of 19 years to enter universities. Although it seems that it may be made official soon, it is unknown when exactly it will come into effect.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.