It's been a long wait, but this Saturday (May 31.05st) it will come to an end. Rubro-Negro's winger/point guard Vitor Benite was confirmed by the coaching staff last Thursday and will be on the court for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) final. After about six months without playing, the athlete says that every moment of his return has a special meaning.

 

"I'm very happy, at a time in both my life and my career, when all the little things, like putting on the uniform and stepping onto the court with the team, feel so good. After going through the entire surgery and the recovery phases, which are long, returning is a huge joy. And even more so, returning in such a good way, at such an important moment for Flamengo and for my career, which is this final," said Benite.

 

On his social media account, the player shared videos and photos with fans and friends that revealed a bit about his recovery. According to Benite, the affection of those who were by his side was essential for him to return in time for the final and for his recovery to go better than some expected. "The support of all my family, my friends, the coaches, the physiotherapists, everyone who was with me since the day I got injured. There were so many people wishing me well, wanting me to come back. This kept me from giving up and worrying about my return. I was able to calm down, and being happy and calm, my recovery was easier than I heard others say," he stated.

 

During his time away, physical therapy was far from Vitor Benite's only occupation. The athlete took advantage of the time to clear his head, do other activities, catch up with friends, and enjoy his family, who are from Campinas. "In the beginning, in the first month after surgery, I really wanted to forget everything, not think about basketball or the injury. I did what I had to do for my recovery, of course, but I went out with my friends, spent time with my family, played with my dog, ate junk food, and relaxed my mind, since I knew I would go through a process of hard work and dedication to get back on the court. It was a time when I really enjoyed my family, since I've been living away from home since I was very young. It was a great time for my mind. The body doesn't function if the mind isn't well," he stated.

 

Ricardo Machado, the club's physiotherapist, describes his recovery period at Flamengo and praises Benite. "Flamengo gave him the option of seeing a doctor, but he preferred to go to Campinas, with his family. I communicated directly with the staff there, who were caring for him full-time in a specialized clinic, and he returned within three months. From then on, we completed his recovery at the club. He's a top-notch kid. He's super professional and very mature for his age (24)," he praised.

 

Having missed the final of the club's second NBB championship (2012/2013), after having participated in the entire season, Benite will have the chance to return to the team this time around for the final of the sixth edition of the championship. "I went through some difficult times last year. It was very difficult to play the whole season and not play in the final (of the 2012/2013 NBB). Just being with the team and training with them makes me very happy. I already feel much more a part of this achievement of reaching the final. Whether I'll be on the court during the game or not, or just sitting on the bench cheering, doesn't worry me. I just want to help the team in the best way I can. I'm very fulfilled to be returning to my career," he celebrated.

 

If Benite's presence among the quintet on the court in the final is not certain, the player warns: "I'm in the World Cup."