By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Looking into a best-of-three series against archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet for the league championship in Serbia, Partizan Mozzart Bet is down Bruno Caboclo.
The Brazilian big left the team before the Finals of the AdmiralBet Basketball League of Serbia Playoffs, the team announced on Saturday.
Caboclo, 28, violated team rules by traveling to Orlando on Friday, presumably in connection to the senior national team of Brazil, without permission from the Belgrade outfit, as noted.
Consequently, Partizan opened disciplinary proceedings against Caboclo.
Game 1 is scheduled for Monday.
BLS Playoffs
First Round (best-of-three)
Borac Mozzart – Spartak Office Shoes 2-0 (95-92, 95-70)
FMP Soccerbet – Vojvodina MTS 2-0 (77-68, 93-65)
Second Round (best-of-three)
Boraz Mozzart – FMP Soccerbet 0-2 (87-90, 90-111)
Semifinals (best-of-three)
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet – FMP Soccerbet 2-0 (97-87, 98-75)
Partizan Mozzart Bet – Mega MIS 2-1 (82-72, 88-92, 96-68)
Final (best-of-three)
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet – Partizan Mozzart Bet 0-0
Furthermore, the team based in the capital of Serbia ruled out any financial obligations toward the player as the reason behind the departure.
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participant holds a team option to extend his contract for the 2024-25 season.
Similarities to his move from Umana Reyer Venice shape the latest controversial situation, impacting the career of Caboclo. The Italian club blocked the transfer and presented its case to FIBA, stating the player was under contract, despite signing a contract with Partizan. Overcoming obstacles, his addition to the team coached by Zeljko Obradovic was completed early in the 2023-24 season.