[ad_1]
The 179-centimeter Facundo Campazzo has already managed to impress fans and coaches of the Denver Nuggets, but Marty Poci’s deft Argentine has made his promise long before, writes Denver Post journalist Mike Singer.
Denver Nuggets / Schedule
The roads of Pocius and Campazzo intersect in Murcia, where the Lithuanian played the last season of his career.
“He had just made the team and was blind after a couple of preseason games,” Pocius told The Denver Post.
Pocius also recalled how he did not react to Campazzo’s transfer in training and the seemingly innocent episode ended painfully.
“He almost broke my nose,” said the Lithuanian.
Practically all of 2016-2017. season, Pocius took on the role of Campazzo’s mentor. When the Argentine chose technical fouls, Pocius was the one who calmed the temperamental player.
Campazzo was the engine of the Murcian team and led in points (13.2) and assists (6.7).
“Every day in training I would play with or against him, or I would just sit next to him and look at him thinking that there was no place for him here. This is not his level, “said Pocius.
Soon Pocius got a job in Denver, and one of the first reports written by a Lithuanian was about Campazzo.
“I played with him and I’m sure he can play at this level. Campazzo is good and can play in the NBA, ”Pocius wrote at the time.
Pocius in Murcia also saw Campazzo working out in the gym all the time and following a sugar-free and gluten-free diet, a practice that Argentines still use.
The Lithuanian maintained a close relationship with the Argentine and corresponded after Euroleague matches and watched Real matches whenever he was in Europe.
“I’ve always thought about the possibility of seeing him here (in Denver),” Pocius said.
Rafal Jucas, an international scout for the Nuggets at the time, said he didn’t think Campazzo’s height could be a major obstacle.
“Some will say it’s low,” Jucas said. – But as someone told me, winners come in different forms and I think there is no better example of this saying than Facu. Wins the game “.
“Of course, defending the height of the NBA is important. Being close to the basket, attackers can roll on it, but it is very difficult to avoid it because it is energetic and active. I saw him play with the best athletes in the World Championships, the Euroleague, the Olympics … I never worried about his height, ”said Jucas.
Singer also reports in his article that Campazzo has signed a $ 6 million two-year contract. Contract in USD. According to Pocius, Campazzo could have concluded an even more lucrative contract, but the player’s priorities were different.
“I think he would have gotten more money and a bigger role in the playoffs at any other club,” Pocius said. “Still, I think the most important thing for him was a victorious culture in the team and the opportunity to win.”
As in Murcia, Pocius also became Campazzo’s backbone in Denver. The Lithuanian Nuggets met the newcomer at the Denver airport, helped them settle into a new home, installed the television and internet, and taught them how to order food at home.
“I had a lot of questions about the dynamics of the team, what can be expected of him. Also about judging, differences in rules and English, ”said Pocius.
Campazzo has already infected the team’s brightest stars with his energy: Jamala Murray and Nikola Jokičius, but more importantly, the Argentine also caught the attention of head coach Mike Malone.
“I don’t know how not to fall in love with a guy like Facu,” said the strategist at the beginning of training camp. – It’s low, but I can’t judge by it. It must be appreciated for your heart. “
[ad_2]
