"Raul Neto Becomes the Fifth Brazilian Player at Barcelona" -studiosportz

Barcelona has strengthened its squad with the addition of guard Raul Neto, who becomes the fifth Brazilian to don the famed colors of the Spanish club. Following the official signing, Raulzinho expressed his gratitude for his time at Pinheiros in the NBB and stated he is ready to embrace the new challenge ahead. Despite having faced injury issues, the athlete is fully recovered and eager to assist his new teammates in their quest for titles.

"I am very happy with the invitation from Barcelona and the opportunity to return to Spain to wear this jersey," Raul Neto said through his press office. "This was only possible because Pinheiros opened their doors for me. I want to thank everyone at the club, President Brazolin, and Galvani for the opportunity, as well as my teammates. I am also grateful to the staff and fans for their warm reception and support, helping me return to playing at my best level. Although it was a short time, it was enough for me to understand why it is one of the top clubs in the sport in the country."

Prior to Raulzinho, Barcelona had another Brazilian in the same position: Marcelinho Huertas. Between 2011 and 2015, Huertas, who continues to play in Spanish basketball for Tenerife, played for the club while securing four titles. Additionally, Anderson Varejão (2001 to 2004), Wesley Sena (2016/17), and Vitor Faverani (2017) also made their mark there.

"I come in with a lot of confidence. I have spoken with some players, watched the games, and I am prepared to help the team in any way I can," Raul Neto stated. "I am at my best moment in the last two years. My knee has fully recovered, and I have regained my rhythm. So, I am ready. I think about the hard work and all the tough moments I experienced last year. Now, I have joined one of the best teams in Europe, like Barça, to compete and win titles."

In eight years in the NBA, Raul Neto has played for four teams. Although he was selected by the in the 2013 Draft, he never actually played for them. Instead, he featured for the , , , and . It was during his time with the Wizards where he truly shone. In the 2020/21 season, for instance, he was one of the key reserves and started 22 games. He also began three of five playoff games that year.

Now, Raul Neto leaves the NBB to replace Nicolas Laprovittola at Barcelona, making him the fifth Brazilian in the club's history.

The 32-year-old Raul Neto represented Brazil at the most recent Olympic Games but had been recovering from an injury. As a free agent, he signed with the São Paulo club for the upcoming NBB 2024/25 season. However, there was an agreement between the player and the team that he would leave Pinheiros if he received an offer from abroad.

In five games for Pinheiros, Raul Neto averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in roughly 20 minutes of play.

Like last season, Jumper Brasil will broadcast live games and coverage of the NBB 2024/25.

Two weeks ago, Raul Neto requested to be released from the Brazilian national basketball team for the AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, with Lucas Atauri being called up in his place.

Brazil navigated through its two February 2024 matches against Paraguay with ease. Following that, without Raul Neto, the team triumphed over Uruguay and Panama, remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

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