As the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea joins the Dallas Mavericks after a productive career with Valencia Basket in Spain.
De Larrea helped Valencia Basket win the Liga ACB championship last season, averaging 7.1 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 38.8% from 3-point range. He was the 2026 Liga ACB Best Young Player for his play in the Spanish League.
The 6-foot-6 De Larrea was named to the All-Liga ACB Young Players Team in each of the past two seasons, while he was also the 2025 Spanish Super Cup MVP after helping Valencia to the championship. He averaged 5.4 points in 45 games that year.
With De Larrea getting drafted by the Mavericks and Aday Mara going 12th to the Oklahoma City Thunder,
it marked the first time since 2021 and the fourth time overall that two players from Spain were selected in the first round of the same draft.
The 20-year-old logged four appearances with the Mavericks in summer league, averaging eight points, 8.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds, one steal and one block. He recorded one double-double with 16 points and 12 assists on July 13 in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
De Larrea was highly touted in the draft this year because of his playmaking, vision and shooting. The team has been encouraged by his physical growth, along with his defensive versatility, and is eager to watch him take the court.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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Family
De Larrea is the son of Jorge and Nuria, who both played college basketball in Spain. Jorge played for Club Deportivo Universitario, while Nuria played at the University of Valladolid. He credits them for falling in love with the sport at a young age.
Basketball Without Borders
De Larrea participated in the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Milan, Italy, where he was named an All-Star. The program, which is a developmental camp for international prospects, has reached thousands of participants across Europe, Asia and Africa. Over 140 players have gone on to be drafted or signed by NBA or WNBA teams. He called it instrumental in shaping who he is as a player today.
Luka Dončić
Growing up in Spain, De Larrea enjoyed watching former Mavericks guard Luka Dončić after he arrived in the United States following his time with Real Madrid. De Larrea even called Dončić his idol, so it is fair to assume that he'll be thrilled to face him and the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time on Feb. 28.
Spain
De Larrea has represented Spain internationally, including three times with the senior team. He most recently suited up in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European qualifiers last month, averaging 4.5 points, 1.5 assists and one rebound in two appearances. He won a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
United States
De Larrea said that when he arrived in Dallas following the draft, it was his first time ever in the United States. He said that he and his girlfriend enjoyed exploring the area and were pleasantly surprised by the city.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Mavs' Sergio De Larrea before rookie season
