From the NCAA to the NBA, Rafael Araújo, known as Bábby, spent seven years in the United States. From his first college basketball team, Arizona Western, to the Utah Jazz, where he played in the sport's top league, Bábby evolved not only in his playing style but also in his language fluency. As a result, he quickly became a sort of interpreter for the red-and-black team. At a press conference held on Monday afternoon (August 23.08), he translated journalists' questions to newly hired Kyle Lamonte and joked with president Patricia Amorim.

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"Now I'm going to talk to the president and we're going to review my contract. I want to earn a little more," he said.

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Smiling and in a good mood, Bábby expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Flamengo, the club he played for in 2009 and where he won the South American League and the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) titles. Last season, he wore the Paulistano jersey, but in the final between Flamengo and Brasília, he cheered on his now teammates.

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"I thank the president, Professor Chupeta, and everyone on the board for bringing me back. It was difficult to be away for a year, see the team in the final, and not be able to help. I was suffering at home, because I could have been there, but I want to thank you again for the opportunity and the confidence in my work. I will try to do my best every day of training. Being back here is priceless. It's a great honor," he added.

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It's worth remembering that Rafael Araújo's shirt will have new features this season: the spelling of the nickname Baby has become Bábby and the number he will wear is not 55, but 66.

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