On the eve of another Final Four in the League of the Americas, representatives of the FlaBasquete team hosted a press conference in Gávea. The meeting was attended by Eduardo Bandeira de Mello (Club President), Alexandre Póvoa (Vice President of Olympic Sports), Marcelo Vido (Executive Director of Olympic Sports), and José Neto (Flamengo Coach), as well as players Marcelinho (the team's shooting guard), Marquinhos (the team's small forward), and Nicolas Laprovittola (point guard). 

 

The Pride of the Nation debuts in the competition by hosting Pioneros de Quintana Roo, from Mexico, on Saturday (14.03). The game takes place at 20:15 pm, at Maracanãzinho. If they pass this challenge, Rubro-Negro will face the winner of the match between Bauru and Peñarol-ARG in the grand final, which takes place on Sunday (15.03).

 

During Tuesday's event, guests answered questions about the final stage of the Liga das Américas and discussed the main challenges they will face in this final stretch of the competition. Check out the press conference details:

 

(Alexandre Póvoa) A year ago, we were here fighting to achieve a dream: the League of the Americas title. Now, we'll fight with all our might to repeat last year's success, which later made us World Champions.

(Marcelo Vido) At LDA, we're the team to beat. Repeating great achievements is much more than talent. It's teamwork that allows us to overcome this challenge.

 

(Alexandre Póvoa) We've made a huge effort to bring the Final Four final home again, and we're sure it will make all the difference in our fight for a title that will be even more difficult to win than last year's. Our main goal is to live up to the nickname "Pride of the Nation." I'm sure they'll step onto the court and honor the Mantle they're wearing. We'll have a wonderful party, without a doubt.

 

Furthermore, FIBA's good experience during the 2014 LDA and the Intercontinental weighed a little in the decision to hold the Final Four here again, as well as the fact that Rio de Janeiro is close to hosting the Olympics.

 

(Marcelo Vido) Reaching the LDB final is a huge achievement. It shows that the work we've done is encouraging the continued emergence of players, ensuring we don't rely solely on reinforcements.

 

(José Neto) Working at a high level of excellence is very difficult. Basketball in Brazil has evolved significantly in recent years, and being in the Final Four for the second consecutive year shows how proud we can be. Furthermore, we have a team, both on and off the court, that gives me great confidence that we can achieve the title again.

 

(José Neto) They're very objective and fast. They're coming with high morale, but it won't be higher than ours, as we'll be with our fans. We're well prepared to face them and fight for victory.

 

(Marcelinho) The hand that won us the title last week is well calibrated for this weekend. There, at the All-Star Game, it was more about partying than anything else, even though we always want to win (laughs). But we're focused on the LDA race and want to win again. We're well prepared, and with our fans by our side, we're even stronger.

 

(Alexandre Póvoa) Let's take Bauru as an example. The city is working to secure a concession for the construction of a gymnasium for their basketball team. We have everything ready here, but we've been circling from one public agency to another, to no avail. I'm asking for the press's help to change this. Please, look at the Brazilian Olympic Sports Center. This will be a legacy for the city if it comes to fruition. We've found a solution for everything we've been asked. There's no longer any reason to deny it. We have all the necessary infrastructure. It's a multi-sport gymnasium so that, above all, we can once again become Brazil's greatest Olympic power.