Flamengo will have two representatives on the Brazilian men's basketball team that will compete in the London 2012 Olympics. Forward Marcelinho, captain of the Flamengo team, and center Caio Torres are on the preliminary list released by coach Rúben Magnano on Thursday morning (May 17.05th) in São Paulo. Forward Leandrinho, who played for Flamengo at the beginning of the season (during the NBA strike), was also called up.

"Ever since the Olympic qualifying tournament, everyone has been thinking about London. Brazilian fans are longing to see men's basketball at the Olympic Games, and I only got a better sense of how much that longing came from the way people celebrated, how they came to talk to me in the street after we returned from Argentina. That affection was the best reward we could have. The Olympic dream started for Brazil last year, in September, when we secured our spot in Mar del Plata. Now, the dream is becoming a reality for me. We'll have a good amount of preparation time, we have a very good group, a team that can and will have a great competition in London," said Marcelinho, who has been with the Brazilian National Team for 15 years.

Caio Torres, who was also part of the group that competed in the Pre-Olympic tournament, did not hide his excitement about being called up:

"I'm very happy. It's a great thrill to be part of a group that will defend its country in an Olympics. I think Brazil has a very strong group and the return to the Games will be in great style and with chances to fight for a medal," said the center.

The team will be presented on June 10th in São Paulo.