“He’s currently a magnificent player and still has a lot of potential to improve”. Such were Pablo Laso’s comments in reference to Santi Yusta at the end of the match-up against Olímpico de Badalona. The small forward put in his best performance in a Real Madrid jersey in the 66-84 victory over Joventut.
In his 27 minutes out on court, he netted 18 points (2/3 on two-pointers, 4/6 on treys and 2/2 on free throws), grabbed four rebounds, made one turnover and received three personal fouls en route to posting a PIR of 21. His previous best stats were the 15 points he sunk against San Pablo Burgos, on a day when he registered a PIR of 16, in the sixth round of league games. During his time with Obradoiro he posted PIRs of 20 on two occasions, meaning that his performance in Badalona also saw him register a personal Endesa League best. Aged just 20 he is very much a star of the present and the future.