Bruno Afonso David Fernandes, commonly known as Bruno Fernando, is a prominent Angolan professional basketball player currently affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born and raised on August 15, 1998, in Luanda, Angola, Fernando’s journey in basketball began in his hometown, catching the attention of scouts during the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship while playing for the Angolan national team.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Bruno Afonso David Fernandes
Known As	Bruno Fernando
Date of Birth	August 15, 1998
Age	25 Years Old
Birth Place	Luanda, Angola
Nationality	Angolan
Father’s Name	Bernardo Fernando
Mother’s Name	Natalia David
Siblings	Seven
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Height	6 feet 9 inches/ 206 cm/ 2.06 m
Weight	240 lbs/ 108 kg
Education	High School: Montverde Academy, IMG Academy College: Maryland (2017-2019)
NBA Draft	2019/ Round:2/ Pick: 34th Overall
Playing Career	2019-Present
Current Team	Atlanta Hawks (2023- Present)
Awards & Achievements	First-team All-Big Ten (2019) Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2019) Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2018)
Position	Center
Jersey Number	24
Base Salary for 2022-23	$2.71 Million
Net Worth	$2.5 Million-$3 Million
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Signed Rookie Card

Bruno Fernando Early Career and Education

Fernando’s basketball journey began in Angola when he caught the attention of U.S. scouts during the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship while playing for the Angolan national team. This marked the starting point of a remarkable career that would later see him playing on the grand stage of the NBA.

Fernando moved to the United States to pursue his basketball dreams and attended Montverde Academy before transferring to IMG Academy for his high school education. After considering various college offers, he chose to play college basketball for the University of Maryland, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

High School Career

In pursuit of his basketball dreams, Fernando moved to the United States and enrolled at Montverde Academy in Florida in early 2015. Initially committing to Southern Methodist University in April 2016, he later reclassified into the Class of 2017. The 2016–17 season saw him at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before ultimately committing to the University of Maryland in October 2016, choosing the Terrapins over other notable schools.

College Career

Bruno Fernando debuted for the Maryland Terrapins on November 10, 2017, with an impressive performance showcasing his talent. Throughout his freshman season, he earned recognition, including the title Big Ten Freshman of the Week in January 2018. His well-rounded skills, averaging 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, led to All-Big Ten Freshman honors. Despite declaring for the 2018 NBA draft, Fernando withdrew and returned for another season at Maryland.

Professional Career

Atlanta Hawks (2019–2021)

In the 2019 NBA draft, Fernando was selected as the 34th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers but was soon traded to the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the first Angolan player drafted into the NBA. He debuted for the Hawks on October 24, 2019, and had stints with the College Park Skyhawks, the Hawks’ NBA G League affiliate.

Boston Celtics (2021–2022)

On August 7, 2021, Fernando was moved and traded to the Boston Celtics. He debuted with the Maine Celtics on November 19, 2021, showcasing his skills in a game where he scored four points and shot 100% from the field.

Houston Rockets (2022–2023)

Fernando joined the Houston Rockets on February 10, 2022, as part of a trade involving the Boston Celtics. He re-signed with the Rockets on a two-way deal on July 26, 2022, and later secured a four-year, $10.9 million contract on October 2, 2022. Notably, he first started for the Rockets on October 19, 2022, against the Atlanta Hawks.

Return to Atlanta (2023–present)

On February 9, 2023, Bruno Fernando returned to the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Houston Rockets. This marked a significant chapter in his professional journey.

National Team Career

Fernando has also impacted the international stage, representing Angola in various FIBA competitions. He participated in the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship, and 2016, he made his debut with Angola’s men’s national team at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade. He was pivotal in leading Angola to gold at the FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship 2016.

After a hiatus from international play, Fernando returned to represent Angola in August 2022 during the World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his commitment to his national team and the sport globally.

Family Background

Beyond the spotlight of the NBA, Bruno Fernando’s life narrative is woven with personal triumphs and profound loss. Born to Bernardo Fernando and Natalia David, he grew up amidst a large family with seven siblings. The untimely demise of his mother due to pancreatic cancer in 2020 cast a somber shadow over his life. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Bruno remains resolute, exemplifying strength and perseverance.

Currently residing in the United States, Bruno is the sole member of his family on American soil. His siblings, scattered across different corners of the world, emphasize the global nature of his family bonds.

Physical Attributes

Bruno Fernando, born on August 15, 1998, in Luanda, Angola, possesses an exceptional basketball skill set and an imposing physical presence that sets him apart in the NBA. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) and weighing 240 lbs (108 kg), Bruno’s stature significantly contributes to his court dominance.

A crucial component of Bruno’s physical arsenal is his wingspan, measuring an impressive 7 feet 3 inches (220 cm). This expansive wingspan extends his defensive reach, enabling him to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and alter opponents’ attempts at the rim. The wingspan enhances his defensive capabilities and provides a significant advantage in securing rebounds and creating scoring opportunities.

Achievements and Awards

Bruno Fernando has achieved noteworthy milestones, including earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams during his collegiate career with the Maryland Terrapins, becoming the first Angolan player selected in the NBA Draft in 2019, showcasing dynamic skills as a center for the Atlanta Hawks, and leaving an indelible mark with a historic midseason trade back to the Hawks in the 2022-2023 season, all of which underscore his versatile contributions and growing significance in the basketball world.

Contract and Net Worth

Strategic career moves and lucrative contracts mark Bruno Fernando’s financial trajectory in the NBA. As of 2023, his estimated net worth ranges between $2.5 million and $3 million, primarily amassed through his flourishing basketball career. Bruno, a player of remarkable versatility, entered the NBA scene when he was selected as the 34th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 NBA Draft. Subsequently, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he showcased his prowess on the court.

During his tenure with the Hawks, Bruno signed a notable 3-year, $4.7 million contract in July 2019, reflecting his potential and the team’s confidence in his abilities. However, his journey took an intriguing turn with a trade to the Boston Celtics in August 2021 as part of a three-team deal.

The Houston Rockets recognized Bruno’s value, acquiring Enes Freedom and Dennis Schröder from the Celtics in exchange for Daniel Theis in February 2022. Bruno’s contract dynamics evolved during his time with the Rockets, initially signing an Exhibit-10 contract in June 2022, later converting to a two-way contract, and finally solidifying into a substantial 4-year deal worth $10.9 million in October 2022.

Social Media Presence and Relationship Status

Bruno Fernando, the Angolan-born NBA player, maintains an active presence on social media platforms, boasting 79.2k followers on Instagram and 29.1k on Twitter as of the latest available data. These platforms serve as windows into both his basketball journey and personal life.

While Bruno engages regularly with fans, sharing highlights from his games and glimpses into his everyday life, he remains notably private about his dating history and relationship status. Various sources offer conflicting information, with some suggesting he is in a relationship and prefers to keep details of his love life private, while others claim he is currently single.

This guarded approach to personal matters aligns with Bruno’s desire for privacy amidst the public eye. Despite the curiosity surrounding his relationships, Bruno prioritizes maintaining a boundary between his public persona and personal life. As a rising star in the NBA, Bruno’s fan engagement extends beyond the court, creating a dynamic where fans eagerly anticipate updates on his basketball achievements and personal experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is Bruno Fernando’s jersey number?

Bruno Fernando currently wears the number 24 jersey for the Atlanta Hawks.

How much does Bruno Fernando make?

As of the 2022-23 season, Bruno Fernando earns a base salary of $2.71 million.

When was Bruno Fernando drafted into the NBA?

Bruno Fernando was the 34th overall pick in the NBA Draft 2019 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Why was Bruno Fernando suspended during the 2020-2021 season?

Bruno Fernando was suspended for one match without pay for leaving the bench during an altercation between the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers.