Dear Red-Black Nation,
Since the end of the basketball season, when we were crowned three-time NBB champions at the end of May, speculation began about the roster for the 2015/16 season. We've always stated that our intention would be to maintain the core team, but always make changes that would add value to the roster. We've been striving for complete transparency in this process ever since, and today we have some announcements to make:
- Vitor Benite: O athlete, on 31.07, respecting the clause of the contract recently signed with us, informed Flamengo that it will pay the release clause for the departure announced by that date, exclusively to a club in Europe or the NBA. The athlete and his agent did not disclose Vitor Benite's destination for the 2015/16 season. It is worth noting that the club could also have exercised the same release clause.
- Nicolás Laprovittola: Last Saturday (1.08), the athlete posted a kind letter to the red-blacks communicating his decision to transfer to European basketball, more precisely to Lietuvos Rytas, from Lithuania.
- Walter Herrmann: The athlete informed us today (03.08) that he has already returned to Argentina from his vacation and, for personal reasons, decided to stay close to his family and play the 2015/16 season for the new San Lorenzo basketball team.
First, it's important to clarify that what's happening with Flamengo's basketball team is completely normal. We've won everything in recent years, from every national title to the World Cup, and this arouses the desire of everyone for our players, whether from NBA teams or around the world. We shouldn't lament, but rather look forward. We're "paying" for our success, but it's up to the management and coaching staff to continue building a competitive team within our budgetary constraints. Flamengo fans can rest assured.
Second, in Brazilian sports, we have a terrible habit of criticizing those who, by choice, decide to leave our team. This is a culture we don't want for red-and-black basketball. We can only say, THANK YOU SO MUCH, BENITE, NICO, AND HERRMANN, for all the joy you brought to the Pride of the Nation!
Vitor Benite, who began playing basketball at Flamengo's youth academy, returned to the club and has won everything over the past three seasons, despite battling a serious knee injury. How could we forget that ball stolen by Pargo in the final against Maccabi? Vitor, congratulations on the fantastic Pan American Games you played for Brazil.
Nicolás Laprovittola, a very young Argentine point guard, was a big bet on us, bringing him in as a starter even after we won the NBB5. He was a big surprise for Brazilian basketball, who weren't familiar with him, but not for us. A gamble that turned into a huge success. Flamengo did a huge favor for his career, and vice versa—our MVP of the World Cup and NBB7 finals. Much success, Nico!
As for Walter, he was the most professional athlete we've had the opportunity to work with in recent years. With his enormous humility and dedication, he demonstrated that being an Olympic champion isn't for everyone. With a difficult life story, he was always an example to everyone, on and off the court, and a decisive factor in our year. Walter, that scene of you on top of the hoop, celebrating our titles, will be forever etched in our hearts!
To the three of you—Benite, Nico, and Walter—great players and excellent people, Flamengo wishes you all the best. If you're half as skilled as you were at Flamengo, your respective teams will be very pleased. The doors of our club are always open to you.
- Humberto Gomes: The athlete, who had reached an agreement with his contract, will no longer be coming to Flamengo this year. As agreed with his agent, he was unable to secure his release this year from his current club, Pinheiros, and instead reached an agreement to remain there this season. We wish the athlete the best of luck.
- Marquinhos: The athlete had the same release clause, requiring payment of a fine for leaving for European and NBA teams until July 31.07st, but he did not exercise it. The club could also have used the same release clause. Soon, Marquinhos confirmed the renewal of his contract for two more seasons with Flamengo.
Therefore, at this moment, the following players are part of the CR Flamengo basketball squad for the 2015/16 season: Rafael Luz, Gegê, Marcelinho, Marquinhos, Olivinha, JP Batista and Jerome Meyinsse.
Red-black greetings,
Alexandre Póvoa
Vice President of Olympic Sports