Ex-Maccabi Player Santos Impresses in Baskonia Debut Amidst Team's Loss

While Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a significant 90-67 defeat to Panathinaikos in Athens on Friday, former player Marcio Santos made a notable debut for his new team, Baskonia. Santos contributed to Baskonia's first EuroLeague victory of the season, an 86-76 win over Milan, who are Maccabi's next opponent. Coming off the bench for 18 minutes, Santos scored 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 6 rebounds. Spanish and European media highlighted the energy and physicality he brought to the game, with one report stating, "Santos was a giant," adding that he provides exactly what Baskonia needed with his presence in the paint and intense play. He was also described as different from former player Kenneth Faried, possessing character, good hands, and intensity, with potential for further improvement. In contrast, Maccabi Tel Aviv's current backup center, Armando Bacot, has struggled to connect with the team in the early part of the season. Bacot played only 3 minutes without scoring or rebounding against Villeurbanne in the opening round and managed 6 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes against Panathinaikos, much of which was during garbage time.