This week, the basketball team, champions of the triple crown last season—state, national, and continental—returned to ball training at the Gávea headquarters. Although some players are absent, the red-and-black team will be complete with the return of Marcelinho, Marquinhos, Laprovittola, and Herrmann, who are returning from the Brazilian and Argentine national teams, and Cristiano Felício and Jerome Meyinsse, who return to training next Thursday (August 21.08). The Pride of the Nation has a full schedule for the upcoming season: the World Cup, friendlies in the NBA, NBB, State Championship, and League of the Americas.

For Vitor Benite, the motivation to train is even greater. The point guard spent about six months out during the 2013/2014 season after suffering a serious knee injury in November 2013. With an excellent recovery, the star lived the expectation of playing the NBB6 final and not only entered the court but was decisive in winning the title, scoring crucial points in the final quarter of the final. Now, the athlete's mind is focused on the upcoming major red-and-black basketball events.

"I intend to have a very good season and help Flamengo in the very important challenges we have this year, not only the World Cup, but the games we will have against NBA teams, a great achievement for this team. I'm very happy to be recovered, to have been able to return last season. I believe this year will be very good, we have everything to succeed," said the athlete, who hopes for a good connection with Argentine reinforcement Walter Herrmann.

Until next Friday (22.08), Mais Querido will train in Gávea. From the 25th to the 30th, the team will head to Volta Redonda for a week of concentration and training.

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