Raul Neto joins FC Barcelona basketball team

Raul Neto has joined Barça for the rest of the season. The Brazilian point guard, who holds an Italian passport, has signed a contract to strengthen the team following Nico Laprovittola's long-term injury. "I come with great enthusiasm and motivation" he said in an interview with Barça One. "I've already spoken with a couple of the players, watched the games, and I'm ready to play and give my all to help the team.

The Brazilian, standing 1.86 meters tall and weighing 82 kg, underwent the necessary medical tests at Hospital de Barcelona and the Medical Services at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, where he was warmly welcome by 'Lapro'. Neto joins from Esporte Clube Pinheiros in the Brazilian championship, where he had returned after thirteen years. During his stint there, he averaged 16.8 points, 5 assists, a 17.8 performance index, and 20 minutes of play in five games.

“I’m currently in the best shape I've been in over the last two years" he continued. "I’ve fully recovered from my knee injury and regained my rhythm. I feel great and think about the effort and all the tough moments I’ve gone through this past year to get here—one of the best teams in Europe like Barça—to compete and win titles.”

Over 400 Games in the NBA

Born in 1992, Neto has extensive NBA experience, having played eight seasons between 2015 and 2023 with several teams: Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Over these eight years, he played a total of 435 games. In his debut season with Utah (2015/16), he made a strong impression, playing 81 regular-season games. Later, during his time in Washington (2020/21 and 2021/22), he also had a prominent role, with 64 and 70 games respectively. His NBA career ended with averages of 5.7 points, 2.1 assists, and 15 minutes per game.

Neto emphasized his ambition and experience: “I’ve been through the NBA and the national team, and as a player, I’ll give everything on the court. I like to defend and play for the team, doing whatever is needed at any moment in the game or season to win. I’m a winner, and I’ve come here to win.”

Four Seasons in the ACB

After beginning his professional career at Minas Tênis Clube in Brazil (2008-2011), Neto made the leap to the ACB in Spain, where he played 132 games and showcased his talent with two teams. He spent three seasons with Gipuzkoa Basket (2011-14) and one with UCAM Murcia (2014/15) before transitioning to the NBA. In the ACB, he averaged 8.1 points, 3 assists, and an 8.1 performance index in 22 minutes per game.

His standout game came against Barça in the final round of the 2012/13 season when he scored 25 points, delivered six assists, and achieved a 31 performance index. Neto fondly remembers those matches against his new club: “When I played against Barça, I always gave it my all because it was where I wanted to be. Those were games I had marked on the calendar and loved playing.”

Regular for Brazil

After winning a silver medal with Brazil’s U18 team in the 2010 FIBA Americas Championship, Neto became a key player for the senior team, becoming the youngest member to play for them. With the national team, he has competed in major tournaments such as the FIBA Americas Championship (2013), as well as World Championships (2010, 2014, 2023) and Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, and Paris 2024).

He was also called up for the current FIBA window for the 2025 AmeriCup qualifiers but declined to ensure he could join Barça as soon as possible.

Injury impedes EuroLeague debut

‘Raulzinho’, as he is known in the basketball world, was set to make his EuroLeague debut last season after signing with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023. However, a severe knee injury (right patellar tendon) sustained while playing for his national team prevented him from fulfilling that dream.

After nearly a year of recovery and participating in the Olympic Games, Neto joined a modest Brazilian team to regain his form and competitive rhythm before signing with a team like Barça..

Fifth Brazilian

While Brazilian players are commonly found in the football and futsal teams, Neto will be the fifth Brazilian-born player to wear the Barça basketball jersey. He follows in the footsteps of Anderson Varejão (2001-04), Marcelinho Huertas (2011-15), Wesley Sena (a youth player who debuted in the 2016/17 season), and Vitor Faverani (2017).