The first one is never forgotten: the debutants in the NBB finals
Mineiro, Ronald Ramon and JP Batista reach the unprecedented final and Rafa Luz and Jason Robinson feel the taste of the title fight in the first NBB of their careers
By Isabela Abirached, Raiana Monteiro and Isabel Oberg - in
On Flamengo's basketball team, some players have already experienced the taste of competing for the NBB CAIXA title—and have won the championship more than once, wearing the Sacred Mantle—such as Marcelinho, Marquinhos, Olivinha, Gegê, and Meyinsse. But the five reinforcements signed for this season are making their debuts in the national tournament: Rafael Mineiro, Rafa Luz, Ronald Ramon, Jason Robinson, and JP Batista.
Both Ramon and Minas Gerais natives have experience in Brazilian basketball. From 2008 to 2015, the former played for Paulistano, São José, Pinheiros, and Limeira; the Dominican native played for Limeira from 2010 to 2015. For Robinson, Luz, and JP, the feeling is even more special. All three reached the final in their first NBB season. While the American and the point guard had never played a single match in the championship, as they played in Europe, the center only appeared on the court once, in the 2009/2010 season, for Londrina, and then also pursued a career in the Old Continent before arriving at Gávea.
"Brazilian basketball has been developing significantly lately. It's a great pleasure for me to play in the NBB and reach the final in my first season. The style of play here in Brazil is very physical, compared to European basketball. I'm happy, and it's been an exceptional experience," said JP Batista. Rafa Luz agrees, recalling the difficulties the team overcame to reach its fourth consecutive final.
"It couldn't be better. My first NBB, already reaching the final with a great chance of winning the title. It's been excellent, especially because of the work the entire team has been doing. It's true that at first it was a bit difficult because of the adaptation; it's a different style of play than I was used to; the team had several new players and underwent a major overhaul. But the important thing is that now, in the final stretch, we're all adapted and really eager to win this title, which would cap it all off with a flourish," said Luz.
In addition to celebrating the team's moment and his career, American Jason Robinson praised his teammates, the coaching staff and the Red-Black Nation.
"My first year in a full NBB season was incredible. It's a much tougher competition than I expected. And being here at Flamengo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, playing for this institution, with these great players, coaches, and fans. It's incredible, wonderful. I'm very happy about this, and having the chance to compete for the title makes it all the more special."
4 game
Flamengo and Bauru are competing for the NBB CAIXA title, and the series is 2-1 for the Rubro-Negro, after winning Game 3 at home. Now, the teams face off in Marília, São Paulo, for the fourth game of the finals, this Saturday (4), at 14:10 pm. If the Orgulho da Nação wins, they will be the champion. If Bauru wins, the decision will go to Game 5, in Rio de Janeiro, the following Saturday (11).
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsors – SKY and Estácio – in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).
Both Ramon and Minas Gerais natives have experience in Brazilian basketball. From 2008 to 2015, the former played for Paulistano, São José, Pinheiros, and Limeira; the Dominican native played for Limeira from 2010 to 2015. For Robinson, Luz, and JP, the feeling is even more special. All three reached the final in their first NBB season. While the American and the point guard had never played a single match in the championship, as they played in Europe, the center only appeared on the court once, in the 2009/2010 season, for Londrina, and then also pursued a career in the Old Continent before arriving at Gávea.
"Brazilian basketball has been developing significantly lately. It's a great pleasure for me to play in the NBB and reach the final in my first season. The style of play here in Brazil is very physical, compared to European basketball. I'm happy, and it's been an exceptional experience," said JP Batista. Rafa Luz agrees, recalling the difficulties the team overcame to reach its fourth consecutive final.
"It couldn't be better. My first NBB, already reaching the final with a great chance of winning the title. It's been excellent, especially because of the work the entire team has been doing. It's true that at first it was a bit difficult because of the adaptation; it's a different style of play than I was used to; the team had several new players and underwent a major overhaul. But the important thing is that now, in the final stretch, we're all adapted and really eager to win this title, which would cap it all off with a flourish," said Luz.
In addition to celebrating the team's moment and his career, American Jason Robinson praised his teammates, the coaching staff and the Red-Black Nation.
"My first year in a full NBB season was incredible. It's a much tougher competition than I expected. And being here at Flamengo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, playing for this institution, with these great players, coaches, and fans. It's incredible, wonderful. I'm very happy about this, and having the chance to compete for the title makes it all the more special."
4 game
Flamengo and Bauru are competing for the NBB CAIXA title, and the series is 2-1 for the Rubro-Negro, after winning Game 3 at home. Now, the teams face off in Marília, São Paulo, for the fourth game of the finals, this Saturday (4), at 14:10 pm. If the Orgulho da Nação wins, they will be the champion. If Bauru wins, the decision will go to Game 5, in Rio de Janeiro, the following Saturday (11).
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsors – SKY and Estácio – in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).