Spanish basketball is preparing for the start of the Copa del Rey de Baloncesto, which will begin on Thursday, February 13. Last night, the famous sports program on Cadena SER, Ellarguero, interviewed one of the best players in the Liga Endesa. Facundo Campazzo answered questions from Manu Carreño and called for the return of Atlético de Madrid basketball.
The history of the red-and-white club on the court was left in the past after its disappearance in 1992. However, for Campazzo, a return of Atlético to basketball would be something "interesting" and "people would like it." His words have reignited an old debate among basketball fans.
Campazzo and His Desire for an Atlético in Basketball
During the interview, Facundo Campazzo was asked about the possibility of Atlético returning to the elite of basketball, and his reply was clear. "It would be good. With everything soccer represents, it would be cool to play it," said the Argentine. He also acknowledged that it would be something "strange," but it would undoubtedly spark public interest.
Currently, the main Madrid derbies in basketball are played against teams like Movistar Estudiantes or Fuenlabrada, both in the LEB Oro, the second tier of Spanish basketball. However, Campazzo believes that a duel between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid in the ACB would be something special.
Atlético de Madrid in Basketball: A Forgotten History
Atlético de Madrid has not always been an exclusively soccer club. Its first foray into basketball dates back to 1922, although it wasn't until 1989 that the team had a more established presence in the elite.
In that year, the club acquired the spot of CB Oviedo with the intention of ascending to the Liga ACB. Finally, in 1990-1991, Atlético de Madrid-Villalba competed in the top tier with historic players like Walter Berry. He managed to score 52 points and 15 rebounds in a game against Real Madrid.
However, the project had a short life and disappeared in 1992. Since then, Real Madrid has been left without a great historic rival in the capital, with Estudiantes assuming the role of "main adversary" until their relegation in 2021.