Gael Bonilla, the promising forward of Mexican basketball, has admitted that he regrets appearing for this year’s NBA draft. The 20-year-old player, who spent last season with the Capitanes de Ciudad de México in the G-League, felt that the limited minutes he received did not allow him to showcase his skills and attract the attention of NBA teams.
“I decided to get out of the draft because I hadn’t played much this season with Capitanes. I would have liked to have had more minutes so they could see me better and have a better chance of being caught by a team,” Bonilla explained.
During his time with the Capitanes, Bonilla averaged 10.9 minutes per game in the G-League, along with 2.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. However, he felt that the style of play under coach Ramón Díaz did not favor his game and limited his impact on the court.
“The coach’s plays were more for the point guard and the center. I had to get the points from the rebounds, and that was more difficult because I was going from one side of the court to the other. Sometimes, I didn’t even touch the ball in four or five plays,” Bonilla revealed.
Adapting to the fast-paced style of basketball in the NBA was also a challenge for Bonilla. He acknowledged that the game is played at a high speed, with fewer passes and more quick shots. Despite these difficulties, Bonilla accepted the coach’s style of play and tried to make the most of his opportunities.
After his stint with the Capitanes, Bonilla returned to FC Barcelona, where he had previously trained in the youth academy and first team. However, his departure to the G-League in January prevented him from participating in the remainder of the season.
Currently, Bonilla does not have a contract with Barcelona, and he believes that his future lies in the second division of Spanish basketball. He plans to gain more playing time in order to improve his chances of appearing in the 2024 or 2025 NBA draft.
“It is not in my plans to return to Capitanes next season because of what I have experienced this season. In the coming weeks, I will know what my future will be. I think the best thing for me would be to leave Barça to look for a team that gives me minutes. If I stay at Barcelona, there aren’t many minutes there for the youngsters. I think I’ll go to a second division team,” Bonilla stated.
Despite the setbacks, Bonilla remains determined to succeed in basketball. He aims to use his prominence with the Mexican national team this summer to attract the attention of European basketball teams. Bonilla will be one of the main players for Mexico in the Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023, and he has his sights set on representing his country in the World Cup.
“I am going to the Central Americans to get up to speed for the World Cup because I have only trained for several months. We have a good group and a good level to win a medal,” Bonilla expressed.
As Bonilla continues to work towards his goals, he hopes to find a team that will provide him with the necessary playing time and opportunities to showcase his talent on the court.
How did Gael Bonilla describe the speed and intensity of the game at the NBA level compared to what he was used to?
That the speed and intensity of the game at the NBA level were higher than what he was used to.
“It was a big adjustment for me. The NBA game is much faster and more physical. The players are bigger, stronger, and quicker. It took some time for me to get adjusted to that level of play,” Bonilla admitted.
Despite his regrets about not having a chance to showcase his skills in the NBA draft, Bonilla remains hopeful and motivated to continue working hard and improving his game.
“I know that I have a lot to learn and improve on. I am going to keep working hard, both on and off the court, to become a better player. I still have a long way to go, but I am determined to make it to the NBA one day,” Bonilla said.
Bonilla’s decision to withdraw from the NBA draft may have been disappointing for him, but it shows his maturity and understanding of the importance of playing in the right situations to further his career. He is focused on finding the right opportunities to showcase his talent and catch the attention of NBA teams in the future.
“I have learned from this experience and will use it as motivation moving forward. I need to find a team and a coach that believes in me and will give me the minutes and opportunities to succeed. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I will get there,” Bonilla concluded.
Overall, Gael Bonilla’s regret about not having a chance to showcase his skills in the NBA draft highlights his determination and motivation to continue working towards his dream of playing in the NBA. He remains hopeful and focused on finding the right opportunities to prove himself and catch the attention of NBA teams in the future.
I found Gael Bonilla’s regrets about his NBA draft decision fascinating! It’s great to see his dedication to Mexican basketball with Capitanes de Ciudad de México, and his move to FC Barcelona shows tremendous potential. Excited to see what the future holds for this talented player!
It’s never easy to look back and regret a decision, but Gael Bonilla’s determination to forge a successful career with Capitanes de Ciudad de México and FC Barcelona showcases his resilience and commitment to his craft. With such a bright future ahead, there’s no doubt that Bonilla will continue to leave a lasting impact on Mexican basketball.