Anderson Varejão's debut had all the expected ingredients. Arena Carioca 1 packed, a great performance from number 17, a spectacular partnership with Marcelinho Machado and a great 92-64 victory against Campo Mourão. After the game this Thursday (1), the power forward spoke to the press about the moment.

"This support is amazing. It's a different kind of crowd because of the way they cheer, shout, and support. All of this is very important. The NBB is balanced and very evenly matched; we know that many teams have potential, and we need them here. I saw some wigs in the stands, which I thought was cool. The Nation came, and I'm very happy. I was anxious before the game; I even talked to Marcelinho about it. I confess I got goosebumps," the player exclaimed.

With a beautiful assist from the captain, Varejão scored his first points for Flamengo and celebrated his partnership with the number 4. "With all due respect to the whole team, it couldn't have been better to start with an assist from Marcelinho. He was my mentor in the national team for years. Being able to play with him at Flamengo in the year of his retirement was one of the things that influenced my decision to come here. It was a backheel pass, very good," he praised.

 

"I've been saying since I arrived that I'm here to contribute to the Flamengo group, which has been having a great championship. Before the match, I commented on exactly that with the guys in the locker room. The club didn't sign me to score 30 points per game, but rather to help, do my job, and win another title," he stated.

 

With many years playing abroad and in the world's biggest leagues, Anderson also commented on the lessons he can pass on to the young athletes on the team. "I arrive at Flamengo with international experience from the NBA, Europe, and the National Team. I can help the younger guys, passing on my experience on and off the court. I missed playing in Brazil, since I left very young. I only came back to play for Brazil, and it was always great, but I didn't have that continuity of affection and human warmth. Now I'll get all that I missed," he concluded.

 

Flamengo's next challenge will be on Saturday (3), at 14 pm, against Paulistano, at Arena Carioca 1. Fans can already buy their tickets at: guicheweb.com.br/flamengo.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.