By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Far from a secret, but Crvena Zvezda mts made it official.
Facundo Campazzo signed a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season, the team announced Monday. Eurohoops had reported on the approach of the team based in Belgrade, the deadline for Real Madrid to match the offer and details of the extended contract, and finally, Los Blancos declining the option.
In a quick turnaround from Luca Vildoza becoming the first-ever Argentine player of Crvena Zvezda, Campazzo followed as the second. The latest newcomer was waived by the Dallas Mavericks in late November. He has been on a path to the Belgrade club, until recently pending the decision of his previous Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team. Madrid had his rights based on a clause stemming from the agreement to depart the Spanish capital and join the Denver Nuggets late in the 2020-21 season.
On a separate note, Crvena Zvezda is provisionally prohibited from registering new players or coaches on its EuroLeague roster. Removing the ban connected to overdue payables is necessary for Campazzo to play in Europe’s top-tier club continental competition.
Making his way to 152 games between the Regular Season and the Playoffs illustrates his NBA experience. Campazzo averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per contest, including 1.3 points and 1.1 assists per game over eight appearances this season.
At Madrid from 2014 to 2020, he was part of the EuroLeague championship runs in 2015 and 2018, and also captured multiple domestic titles, highlighted by three ACB champions. On loan, he spent a couple of years at UCAM Murcia, between 2015 and 2017.
Representing Argentina, his international career stretches from the junior to the senior level, winning the silver medal in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
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