By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A three-time FIBA European Champions Cup champion, now called Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, with Real Madrid, Rafael Rullan, passed away at the age of 73.
Announcing his death on Sunday, Los Blancos expressed condolences to his family, teammates, and loved ones.
Rullan, as a center using his versitality to help via the power forward position as well, played for the storied club based in the capital of Spain between 1969 and 1987. The most important achievements during his run were winning the top-tier club continental competition of Europe in 1974, 1978, and 1980, three out of the record-setting 11 European championships in team history.
His success extended to capturing four FIBA Intercontinental Cups in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1981. He was also part of the championship-winning team in the 1983-84 installment of the FIBA European Cup Winners’ Cup. Domestic titles went into 14 ACB championships in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, and 1986. He also won the Copa del Rey on nine occasions, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1985, and 1986, and the first-ever Supercopa in 1985.
Representing Spain at the international level, he earned 161 caps with La Familia and won a silver medal in the EuroBasket 1973. In addition to six editions of the EuroBasket, he participated in the Olympic Games in 1972 and the World Championship in 1974.
Following playing days, Rullan remained connected with Madrid, representing the team through various roles.
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