Brazilian basketball star Marcio Santos has joined Maccabi Tel Aviv for the 2025-26 Euroleague season, bringing fresh energy to the team after a strong year in Germany. At 22 years old, the center aims to help the yellow-and-blue squad push for top honors in Europe’s premier basketball league, starting with their early games in October 2025.
From Brazil Roots to European Courts
Marcio Santos grew up in a sports-loving family in Brazil, where he tried soccer and volleyball before settling on basketball at age eight. He started on small local teams and climbed the ranks through bigger clubs, shining in the Novo Basquete Brasil league.
His breakthrough came with impressive stats in the NBB, averaging 13.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his final season there. This performance caught eyes abroad and led to his move to Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany for the 2024-25 season.
In Germany, Santos averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, helping Ulm compete at a high level. He even played in the NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic in 2025, facing top talents and gaining valuable experience.
Santos shared that his family inspired his love for sports. Everyone played something, and basketball felt right for him. This foundation built his skills and drive, setting the stage for his jump to Europe.
Signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Tel Aviv signed Santos to a three-year deal in July 2025, with an option for a third season. The move aimed to strengthen their frontcourt after a roster overhaul.
Team officials praised his defensive skills and versatility. Santos can play deep in midfield or higher up, showing smart use of space in games against tough opponents like Bayer and AC Milan in past matches.
The contract followed reports of Maccabi targeting him alongside other players like O’Shea Brissett. Santos expressed excitement about joining a club with a rich history, including multiple Euroleague titles.
In his first games for Maccabi, Santos averaged seven points in about 14 minutes per contest. The team started 0-2, losing to Anadolu Efes 85-78 and Paris Basket 101-94, both in Belgrade due to home venue issues.
Challenges and Ambitions in Euroleague
The 2025-26 Euroleague season kicked off with Maccabi facing early setbacks, but Santos remains optimistic. He wants to bring glory back to Tel Aviv and help the team climb the standings.
Euroleague features top teams like Anadolu Efes, Valencia, and Zalgiris, who started strong with perfect records. Maccabi plays its home games in Belgrade for now, adding to the challenges.
Santos highlighted his defensive strengths, like forcing errors and blocking shots. In a preseason game against the Trail Blazers, he stood out by shutting down key players.
He aims to adapt quickly to the league’s pace. With his height of 2.05 meters and athletic build, Santos fits well in Maccabi’s system under coach Oded Katash.
Looking ahead, Santos eyes a spot in Brazil’s national team for future events, building on his Olympic qualifying experience.
Key Stats and Career Highlights
Santos has built a solid resume early in his career. Here are some standout numbers:
- NBB Season (2023-24): 13.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 58% from two-point range.
- German League (2024-25): 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, strong defensive plays.
- NBA Summer League (2025): Appeared in games for Orlando Magic, gaining pro experience.
- Euroleague Debut (2025): 7 points average in first two games.
These figures show his growth from Brazil to Europe.
| Season | Team | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Brazilian Club | 13.1 | 6.4 | Top pivot in NBB |
| 2024-25 | Ratiopharm Ulm | 8.2 | 3.4 | NBA Summer League invite |
| 2025-26 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | 7.0 | Not available yet | Euroleague debut |
Impact on Maccabi and Future Outlook
Santos brings a fresh dynamic to Maccabi, blending Brazilian flair with European grit. Fans see him as a key piece in rebuilding after last season’s disappointments.
The team faces a tough schedule, including upcoming games against Anadolu Efes again. Success depends on chemistry and overcoming early losses.
Experts note Santos’s intelligence on the court, which could lead to more playing time. His journey inspires young players in Brazil, where basketball grows in popularity.
As the season unfolds, Santos hopes to contribute to wins and perhaps a playoff run. His story adds excitement to Maccabi’s campaign.
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