Yago dos Santos praised Giannis Sfairopoulos and Dusko Ivanovic for shaping his game, shifting his focus from scoring to team play. He believes Red Star can achieve great things and looks forward to facing his idol, Facundo Campazzo, against Real Madrid.
Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com
Giannis Sfairopoulos praised Yago dos Santos after Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade's game against Borac, even though the Brazilian guard only scored two points.
The Greek coach recognized how much the young playmaker has evolved his game, shifting his focus from scoring to orchestrating the team.
Yago’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Against Borac, he recorded seven points and five assists, contributing to a +22 differential while on the court. His improved decision-making and leadership continue to be a key asset for Red Star as they push for EuroLeague success.
"I liked how our point guards played tonight. They didn’t score many points, but Jago and Teo made a lot of assists. Yago only scored two points, but he was an important factor in the game," he said.
The recent matchup against Virtus Bologna carried additional significance for Yago. On the opposite bench stood Dusko Ivanovic, the coach who brought him to Red Star and changed his career.
"I spoke with Dusko when he came to the arena," Dos Santos told Meridianbet.
"We met and exchanged a few thoughts. I am here because of Dusko. He chose me and helped me a lot. When I arrived, even though it was a different period for me, he worked a lot with me in practice.
Today, I am who I am because of Dusko. I have special emotions toward him because he brought me to Red Star and changed my life," Yago shared, and also acknowledged that his approach to the game has evolved under Sfairopoulos’ guidance.
"I didn’t hear what he said, but I love Giannis. He’s helped me a lot since he arrived. We talk every day - whether I’m feeling good or bad, whether I’m playing or not. He always tells me to trust myself, to play my game, and just keep working. That’s very important for me."
He also reflected on his transition from a scoring-focused player to a point guard who elevates his teammates:
"I think I’ve improved my game in different aspects. Last season, I had problems even though I was scoring more points. This year, I rely more on assists and involving the rest of the team. That’s important for both the team and me. It allows me to play at the highest level."
Looking ahead, Yago is confident that Red Star can achieve great things if they replicate their intensity from the Virtus game.
"Zvezda has the strength to do anything! If we play like we did against Virtus, we can do anything. We are the best defensive team in Europe, and I think we can achieve whatever we want."
Next, Red Star face Real Madrid, a game that carries personal significance for Yago. He is set to go up against one of his idols, Facundo Campazzo.
"I can’t wait! I played against him last season in Belgrade, and we didn’t do well. Now we are a much stronger team, and I think I’m ready for another meeting with Facu and Real."
[Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.](/plus?utm_source=basketnews_com&utm_medium=bn_plus&utm_id=UA-259273-31&utm_campaign=banners_free_content_for_not_members_bottom_1)