Yago dos Santos reveals Campazzo was one of the reasons he joined Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Yago Mateus dos Santos talked about his transfer to Crvena Zvezda and the role Facundo Campazzo had in the process.

Credit: FIBA Media Credit FIBA Media

Over the course of seven years, Yago dos Santos has transitioned from Brazilian basketball and Palmeiras, through the EuroCup and the BBL, to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and the EuroLeague.

Facundo Campazzo

Position:PGAge:32Height:179 cmWeight:75 kgBirth place:Cordoba, ArgentinaProfileNewsStatistics

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.

"I started the season far below expectations, but I progressed with the team and when we got to the stage where winning really mattered, we won," he reflected in an interview with Meridianbet Sport. "That's what great teams do."

"It was very difficult for me to break through, basketball is not a popular sport in Brazil to the extent that football is," dos Santos said. However, in mid-July, he signed a three-year deal with Zvezda, joining Milos Teodosic and Shabazz Napier.

"A lot of positive energy, a desire to win and not give up, that's what you can expect from me," he promises. "I love playing basketball and I am very excited to come to Crvena Zvezda. One of the reasons I wanted to come here was Teodosic and Napier. I want to be part of that team, learn and compete."

However, when Zvezda knocked on his door, the first person he turned to was Facundo Campazzo. Even though the Argentinian point guard was heading to the exit door, he did take the time to offer some valuable piece of advice to the newcomer. The two share a similar style of play, since they both have to overcome their small size (1.78 m.).

"I love Campazzo, he has become a great friend and inspiration to me," Yago said. "One thing in common is that we have no fear of competing with anyone who is on the other side," he pointed out.

"I was already following the team because of Campazzo. I watched all the games, but I never imagined that next season I would be part of it. As soon as I saw there was a possibility of joining Zvezda, I called Facu and we talked about everything, I had no doubt and very gladly accepted the offer," dos Santos revealed.

Yago, along with his former Ulm teammate Bruno Caboclo, is now preparing for the FIBA World Cup. His obligations with Zvezda can wait for the time being, but the Brazilian guard is eager to play with the Serbian side.

"I have already watched all the videos on YouTube, I am very excited, I like the atmosphere and I like to play for the fans. It's going to be amazing when we get to know each other.

I can't wait to get to Belgrade and get to know everyone, to start training and playing. I see something new on the internet every day about the city and the team and that's why I am very impatient," he commented.

Like almost every Brazilian, dos Santos is an avid football fan. As he said, his love is divided between two clubs -- Palmeiras and Flamengo.

"I like Neymar the most, but I can't help but love Ronaldo and Ronaldinho," he said.

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