The Rio Breogán basketball club is making swift moves in the market to cover the departure of Darrun Hilliard, who is set to join Unics Kazan in Russia. The first name emerging as a potential replacement is Elijah Hughes, a 27-year-old American forward standing at 1.96 meters. If signed, this would mark Hughes' first experience in Europe.
Hughes has spent five seasons alternating between the G-League and the NBA. This year, he played for the Cleveland Charge in the G-League, where he averaged an impressive 14.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. His offensive capabilities are noteworthy, making him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Hilliard, who has been a key player for Breogán this season.
Hilliard's unexpected departure has left the club with the challenge of finding a reliable replacement to maintain their competitive level. With 11 victories under their belt, Breogán is virtually assured of staying in the Liga Endesa, but they need a player who can bring scoring, talent, and experience to the perimeter.
Elijah Hughes, born on March 10, 1998, in Poughkeepsie, New York, began his collegiate career at East Carolina University, where he averaged 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his freshman season. He then transferred to Syracuse University, one of the most prestigious programs in American college basketball. After a year of sitting out due to NCAA regulations, Hughes played two seasons with the Orange, significantly improving his stats to 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His performance earned him a spot on the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Conference team in his final season, paving the way for his entry into the professional ranks.
In 2020, Hughes was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft with the 39th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. His rights were subsequently traded to the Utah Jazz, where he played 30 games in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. He then joined the Portland Trail Blazers, appearing in 22 games and averaging 3.8 points during his stint.
Hughes has also showcased his skills in the G-League with teams like the Wisconsin Herd and the Cleveland Charge. This season, he played a total of 46 games with the Charge, maintaining an average of 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 33.7% and a free throw percentage of 78.1%.
The Rio Breogán club has acted quickly to address the challenges posed by Hilliard's exit. They have expressed their gratitude towards Hilliard for his contributions this season and wish him the best in his future endeavors. The club's statement indicated that Hilliard and his agency communicated their receipt of a significant offer to play in Russia for the remainder of the season.
As the club prepares for their upcoming match against Casademont Zaragoza on April 20, 2025, at 17:00, the addition of Hughes could be a pivotal moment. Breogán has been performing well this season, and the management is eager to ensure they maintain their momentum in the Liga Endesa.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Hughes arrives in Lugo with enthusiasm and potential. If negotiations proceed smoothly, his signing could be made official in a matter of hours, allowing him to begin training with the team next week. Hughes is expected to make his debut in the game against Casademont Zaragoza, which is highly anticipated by fans.
In light of Hilliard's departure, the Rio Breogán team is not only looking to replace a player but also to reinforce their strategy as they aim for a strong finish in the current season. With the right adjustments, the team hopes to continue captivating their supporters at the Pazo dos Deportes.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the club's next moves in the transfer market and how Hughes adapts to his new environment. The potential impact of this signing could resonate throughout the league, especially as Breogán looks to solidify their position and make a push in the playoffs.
