Petre Brănișteanu, the legendary Romanian basketball player known for his significant contributions to the sport, passed away late Thursday night at the age of 66. His death, which was announced by both the Romanian Basketball Federation and CSA Steaua, came after he had been hospitalized at the University Hospital of Bucharest suffering from severe liver cirrhosis.
Originally reported on Friday morning, the news of his passing shocked the basketball community and fans alike. Initially, both organizations confirmed his death before correcting themselves, stating he was fighting for his life. Sadly, the former player’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing.
Brănișteanu was not just any player; he was part of Romania's golden generation of basketball athletes. His career spanned from 1978 to 1991, all of which was spent at Steaua București. During this time, he claimed ten national titles with the team. His performance on the court made him not only a favorite among fans but also a pivotal figure during the intense rivalries, particularly against Dinamo.
Throughout his illustrious career, he represented Romania more than 400 times at every age level, enjoying considerable success. Brănișteanu's prowess was even showcased on international stages, where he competed at two senior European Championships.
The Romanian Basketball Federation expressed their condolences via social media, stating, "Unfortunately, the former great player Petre Brănișteanu has lost the battle with the illness he faced during recent times. Romanian basketball remains poorer without one of its most devoted servants. The federation sends heartfelt condolences to his family and all those close to him! Rest in peace!" This message encapsulated the loss felt across the community.
CSA Steaua also shared their sorrow, writing, "Petre Brănișteanu, one of the greatest basketball players in Romanian history, has ascended to the stars. A sad day for Romanian and Steaua basketball. He was part of the golden generation of our sport, and his ability to lift the crowd with his skills was unrivaled. He left us suddenly and left behind an immense void." The acknowledgment from his former club highlighted not only his talent but his impact on the fans who watched him play.
Brănișteanu reminisced about his time with Steaua, saying, "If I could, I would return to Steaua four or five more times. I would start again without hesitation." This sentiment reflects his deep connection and love for the club, where he faced many iconic teams during his career, including Zalgiris Kaunas, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Cibona Zagreb.
Following his retirement, Brănișteanu remained involved with basketball, taking on coaching roles at CSU Ploiești and Rompetrol București. He also ventured to managerial positions, including serving as manager at CSM București and participating actively within the Romanian Basketball Federation.
The legacy of Petre Brănișteanu will not only live on through the trophies he won and the matches he played but also through the lives he influenced, both as a player and as someone who dedicated his post-playing years to enhancing the sport. His contributions to Romanian basketball are significant and enduring, and he will be missed by many.
Reflecting on his impact, it's clear Brănișteanu was more than just an athlete—he was a beloved icon who helped shape the future of his sport and inspired generations of players to come. The basketball community mourns the loss of one of its greats, ensuring his memory will forever be enshrined within the sport.