By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Yago dos Santos revealed that when Crvena Zvezda made him an offer this summer he immediately contacted Facu Campazzo before eventually signing with the Serbian powerhouse.
“As soon as I received the offer and there was a possibility that I could come [to Crvena Zvezda], I called Facu and we talked about everything,” dos Santos said in an interview with Meridian. “I had no doubts and I was very happy to accept the offer.” Campazzo arrived at Zvezda last December once he returned to Europe following a 2020-22 run in the NBA.
Thanks to his spectacular brand of basketball and passing, in particular, Campazzo is one of those “a reason to watch” types of players for whatever team he’s part of. Zvezda wasn’t an exception, especially for dos Santos.
“I already followed the team because of Campazzo, I followed all the games. I didn’t even imagine that I would be part of the team next season,” dos Santos mentioned.
Before the previous season began, Campazzo and Dos Santos joined the Brazilian and Argentina national team respectively for the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup. They clashed in the championship game where Campazzo’s Argentina emerged victorious 75 – 73 to win the title.
They both made the all-tournament team, together with Argentina’s Gabriel Deck (also the MVP), USA’s Norris Cole and Canada’s Dalano Banton.
“I love Campazzo,” dos Santos said. “He has become my great friend and inspiration. As for us as players, we have many similar things, but also different things. However, one thing is common, and that is that we are not afraid to compete with anyone who is on the other side.”
Dos Santos signed with Crvena Zvezda after a strong run in both EuroCup and the German League with Ratiopharm Ulm. In Germany, he was particularly impressive in the Finals to lead the team to its first trophy ever in club history, as he claimed MVP.
Campazzo and dos Santos will face each other at least two times next season when Real Madrid plays against Red Star in the EuroLeague regular season.
Photo: FIBA Basketball