A star of American basketball from 1986 to 2001, Ron visited Flamengo's headquarters on Monday afternoon for a visit to the red-and-black team, the NBB leader. The NBA star toured the club's facilities, kicked the ball around with Benitez and Marcelinho, and even stayed to watch practice at the Hélio Maurício gym.

"I thought it was great. I've been here before and I like how things are going," Harper said. The former point guard for teams like the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers also praised the evolution of Brazilian basketball. "There are great players here. Many are already in the NBA and excelling," he praised.

Before speaking with reporters, Harper exchanged a few passes and joked with athletes of all ages. He also led a free throw shootout between youth players, point guard Benite, and shooting guard Marcelinho, who is recovering from an injury. The American was a three-time NBA champion between 1996 and 1998 playing for Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and won the tournament twice more with the Los Angeles Lakers.