News
Article
Caboclo dominates as Brazil causes the biggest World Cup upset so far

Caboclo dominates as Brazil causes the biggest World Cup upset so far

Article

1 September 20234 Mins read

Geoff Gillingham

Editorial Manager

New Umana Reyer Venezia signing Bruno Caboclo dunks the ball for Brazil in its 2023 FIBA World Cup game against Canada.

Yago Dos Santos stole plenty of headlines after scoring 4 clutch points in Brazil's shock 65-69 win over Canada at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but the South American nation would not have even been in a position to win the game were it not for the play of Bruno Caboclo. The new Umana Reyer Venice signing put in a commanding display for Brazil, which has been a regular theme throughout this entire World Cup. One thing's for sure: Reyer has a BKT EuroCup MVP candidate on its hands entering next season.

Through his four games with Brazil at the World Cup, Caboclo is close to posting a double-double, with averages of 15.5 points and 9.8 rebounds. Against Canada, the 27-year-old paired 19 points with 13 rebounds, while he also had 2 steals and 3 blocks – the definition of dominance.

Using the EuroCup as a springboard

These performances followed a very impressive rookie campaign in the EuroCup, as Caboclo averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and a 19.6 PIR following a mid-season move to ratiopharm Ulm. Despite only making his EuroCup debut in Round 10, the Brazilian big man quickly established himself as one of the competition's best players, leading many to think he would make the jump to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Ulm ended up crashing out of the EuroCup in the quarterfinals, losing 86-76 to eventual finalist Turk Telekom Ankara, but Caboclo impressed nonetheless with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in the defeat. Rather than let that disappointment affect the rest of Ulm's season, Caboclo and fellow Brazil teammate Dos Santos had one goal in mind: winning the team its first-ever German League title.

A few months later, Ulm downed Telekom Baskets Bonn in the German League Finals, with Caboclo shining once again while Dos Santos earned Finals MVP honors. Yago ended up sealing a move to EuroLeague side Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade off the back of those displays, whereas Caboclo, who was named to the All-EuroCup Second Team in 2022-23, accepted an offer from Reyer to join the Italian club's ambitious project.

Caboclo makes Reyer EuroCup title contenders

Thanks to Caboclo's presence alone, Reyer enters the 2023-24 EuroCup season as one of the favorites to win the title come the end of the campaign. The additions of Aamir Simms from Paris Basketball and ex-NBA guard Rayjon Tucker from Melbourne United have garnished Caboclo's arrival, making Reyer an even bigger threat under 2010 EuroCup champion coach Neven Spahija.

Only time will tell if Caboclo is able to dominate the EuroCup and guide Reyer to the EuroLeague for the first time in club history, but this is a player who enjoys breaking down barriers. Just ask any fan of Ulm, the new German champion.

World Cup quarterfinals on the cards?

Similarly, few people were tipping Brazil to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, given it is competing in a second-round group with Canada, Spain and Latvia. However, following the first set of games in the second round, with Latvia defeating Spain and Brazil beating Canada, all four teams in Group L have a record of 3-1 from their first four fixtures.

Next up for Brazil and Caboclo is a test against Latvia on Sunday, while Canada takes on Spain. All four nations know that a win will be enough to secure their spot in the last eight of the World Cup, but only two will make it. Brazil fans across the globe will be hoping that Caboclo's heroics can continue, while Reyer supporters will no doubt be impressed with what they have seen from their new star.