WUHAN (China) - Perhaps foreshadowing the future, young star Juancho Hernangomez is emerging into a leader for title contenders Spain after a breakout start to the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 2006 World Cup champions haven't quite been at their brilliant best so far but reached the Quarter-Finals after a tough victory over Italy in the Second Round. The 23-year-old was key for Spain in a TCL Player of the Game performance with a game-high 16 points to help overcome a poor offensive performance from star big man Marc Gasol, who finished with just 2 points.

It continues Hernangomez's hot form after he earlier starred in Spain's tight win over Iran to close out Group C, where he finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The 6ft 9in (2.05m) forward's play has been highlighted by crashing the boards and showcasing constant energy. His versatility on offense has also been a feature with potency to score from inside and outside.

"I go out there and try to grab the rebounds and play with intensity," Hernangomez says. "I'm just trying to do my job. I'm working really hard every day and trying to win for my country."

With legend Pau Gasol missing through injury, Hernangomez needed to step up and so far has not disappointed in an encouraging sign for both Spain's present and future.

The Gasol brothers have been at the heart of Spain's golden generation and fueled the team to much success. As they enter the twilight of their brilliant careers, it has been hoped the torch would be passed to Hernangomez and his older brother Willy, a talented center who plays for the Charlotte Hornets.

"I feel more confident and I understand that I have more responsibility in the team now," the Denver Nuggets player says.

"The World Cup is a great opportunity for myself to be a better player and person by learning from Marc, who is a great player and leader."

"I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AND I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE MORE RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TEAM NOW."- Juancho Hernangomez

Gasol says he hopes Spain's famed playing culture will continue through a new generation. "Time passes for everyone, including Pau and I," he says. 

"Eventually we got to pass the ethics we have as a team, the DNA we have, hopefully guys like Juancho and Willy see it and live it.

"Everyone has different talent but it's about the way you should carry yourself. And understanding the DNA of the team and what you are playing for."

"EVENTUALLY WE GOT TO PASS THE ETHICS WE HAVE AS A TEAM, THE DNA WE HAVE, HOPEFULLY GUYS LIKE JUANCHO AND WILLY SEE IT AND LIVE IT."- Marc Gasol

Spain coach Sergio Scariolo says the time is imminent for a passing of the baton from the Gasols to the Hernangomezs.

"I would be so happy about that because Juancho and Willy are extremely talented players," he says. "They have needed experience on the court because they are in and out when they play in the NBA.

"To be great like Marc and Pau have been, they need to have concentration and make the right decisions. They need to overcome obstacles when they have bad nights.

"The World Cup is a great chance for them to prove themselves in bigger roles."

Juancho Hernangomez, particularly, appears ready to follow the footsteps of his legendary mentors.

FIBA