For Usman Garuba, it feels like a special moment as he returns to his parent club, Real Madrid. The Spanish international became the latest NBA player to make his way back to Europe after stints with the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. Garuba was part of Madrid’s junior team and played professionally a couple of years there before making his way to the United States.
“It’s an incredible feeling to return to what has been my home since I was 10 or 11 years old. Being able to come back here is a dream for me,” Garuba stated in an interview on Real Madrid TV (h/t Marca.com).
“I’m very happy and looking forward to it. For me, Real Madrid has been everything from the very first moment. I have developed here in every sense, both academically and as a player. I have to thank this club for everything I am today.”
Garuba struggled to find a role in the NBA, but with Real Madrid, he knows what he has to do in a familiar environment for him. The Spanish big man spent most of his time in the G League during the past few years, but he’s craving to bring success to Madrid from day 1.
“You want to be where you are valued and loved. I am excited about the day-to-day, but what I am most excited about is winning a EuroLeague with Madrid.
I am happy to be back and to be able to be close to all the people who make up this team, not just the players but the entire staff and those behind them, who are great people. They are people with whom I have kept in touch; they are special people, and I have always had good memories of them. It is special to be back.”
Real Madrid bounces back after losing Guerschon Yabusele
Real Madrid went through the shock of losing Guerschon Yabusele but remained poised to add more depth in the forward position, with Garuba bolstering a front-line that already consists of Serge Ibaka and Edy Tavares, among others.
It’s still unknown if the Spanish giants will opt to make a move for another player after losing the French international. However, most of the roster remained in place.
Despite losing firepower with the departure of Yabusele, the Whites were able to keep their main core by retaining Tavares, Mario Hezonja, and Dzanan Musa. It remains to be seen if those moves are sufficient for another successful EuroLeague season.
