Yago dos Santos wants to replicate Ulm's miracle with Brazil / News - Basketnews.com

Yago dos Santos specifies how far he thinks Brazil can go in this World Cup and refers to some of the things he's looking forward to in his rookie EuroLeague season with Crvena Zvezda. He also reflects on the impact of a racist incident in Spain last February.

Credit: IMAGO/kolbert-press/Christian Kolbert Credit IMAGO/kolbert-press/Christian Kolbert

Even though he's not Argentinian but Brazilian, Yago dos Santos has embraced all the tenacity to be found inFacundo Campazzo's game. And even though Campazzo and his national team didn't make it to the latest version of the FIBA World Cup, his spirit lives on through dos Santos.

Yago Mateus dos Santos

Position:PGAge:24Height:178 cmBirth place:Sao Paulo, BrazilProfileNewsStatistics

The 24-year-old guard was a key player in Ratiopharm Ulm winning their first German title, beating both ALBA Berlin and FC Bayern Munich in the process. In addition to winning the BBL title, Jago dos Santos was named the Bundesliga MVP after averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds.

His impressive season madeCrvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade knock on his door.

"He was at Red Star last season, and I was in Chicago for the Summer League," dos Santos recalled talking to BasketNews. "Coach Dusko Ivanovic talked to me about the opportunity, and I was very happy."

For Yago, the decision to join Zvezda was really easy. And as someone would expect, the first person he turned to was Facundo Campazzo.

"I really like him. I know him personally, and I like his style of play. He's a great friend. We talked about the team," he said.

Even though the Argentinian point guard was heading to the exit door, he did take the time to offer some valuable advice to the newcomer. The two share a similar style of play since they both have to overcome their small size (1.78 m.).

Dos Santos has described how he was following the Serbian team because of Campazzo, adding that he had never imagined he would somehow become his successor.

What he doesn't know, however, is the atmosphere he's going to face in the Partizan-Zvezda derby games.

"I know the rivalry with Partizan, and I expect great games. I don't know exactly how those games will pan out, but I'm going to find out soon," he said.

Yago has no doubt he's going to be a great addition to his new team. So, what makes him so sure that he's going to have a successful EuroLeague debut?

"The work, confidence, and the joy (alegria) that I have," he replied.

Dos Santos is currently in Jakarta, Indonesia, where the Brazilian NT will make its World Cup 2023 debut against Iran (13:45 CET) on Saturday. They are in Group G, which also features Spain and Iran.

If they advance, a very difficult second round could potentially follow with games against teams that progress from a Group H that has Canada, France, Latvia, and Lebanon.

If Raul Neto and Marcelinho Huertas are the better-known guards, Yago's star with Brazil is rising after appearing at the last World Cup and because of his heroic Americas Qualifiers campaign. In fact, he's going to be facing Neto in the next campaign, as his now-teammate will play for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

"I hadn't thought about it until now," Yago admitted. "But Raul is a great player and friend. We've talked about that. He is very happy and eager to play in the EuroLeague. I am, too, and we are both thrilled to be able to face each other."

Since reaching the semis in 1986, Brazil has only had three top eight showings - 1990, 2002, and 2014. In 2019, they lost to the Czech Republic and USA in the second round to miss the knockout phase and take 13th place.

But now Yago thinks Brazil can go all the way.

"Things are going really well. Our national team is in fine condition, physically and mentally. So, our goal is to reach the top and win the gold medal.All players are excited and want to win. Many of them have played in great teams throughout their careers."

In the last game of the Americas Qualifiers against the USA that Brazil needed to win to qualify, he had 17 points after drilling four of five shots from the arc and eight assists. He played in 10 outings in the Qualifiers and averaged 9.8 points while shooting almost 40% from long range. He also led the team in assists at 5.1 per game.

In Germany, he teamed up with Bruno Caboclo and led the team to the domestic title. No wonder he thinks Brazil and Ulm have a lot in common.

"Yes, we have," he smiled upon hearing the question. "That Brazilian culture has fitted in very well in Ulm. I was very happy in Germany. Being able to feel good is the first thing on any team."

On the other hand, what didn't make Yago feel well at all was the incident that took place during a Joventut Badalona-Ulm EuroCup game last February. With less than four minutes left and Ulmleading by three (72-69) against the hosts, a woman fan sitting in the front row shouted 'Monkey!' aiming at Yago.

The player had his back turned to the screaming fan and probably didn't take notice of the racial slur. However, the laughter that aroused her insult encouraged her to repeat it more forcefully, using her hands as a loudspeaker.

The Brazilian Basketball Federation, through its president, Guy Peixoto Jr, will file to the EuroCup a request for an investigation of the case, while the ELPA also reacted.

"They reached out to me and asked for my opinion, but I didn't see the person who was talking to me during the game,' Dos Santos explained.

"It was a very sad incident, but I'm fine now," the Brazilian player continued. "It was a very difficult moment. It was the first time something like that had happened to me, and it was very tough not only for me but for my family and Ulm as well," he noted.

Yago believes "it's necessary to have education in the family, school, and life."

"I think this is the way," he stressed.

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