Flamengo officially presented this Monday (22), at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium, in Gávea, the first confirmed names for the 2026/27 season of FlaBasquete. Coach Demétrius Ferracciú, point guard Yago and winger Didi participated in a press conference alongside the club's Olympic sports director, Marcus Vinicius Freire.

The event marked another step in Flamengo's planning for the upcoming season and brought together journalists, communication professionals, and club representatives. Also present were point guard Alexey Borges and center Ruan Miranda, who are in the final stages of recovery from injuries and welcomed the new members of the squad.

At the start of the press conference, Marcus Vinicius Freire highlighted the importance of the signings for Flamengo's sporting project and reinforced the club's commitment to keeping basketball at the top in everything it competes in.

“I wanted to start by thanking our sponsors, Sesc and Betano. We asked for more support for the repatriation of the two athletes and, in my view, we are putting together the best team Flamengo could have at this moment. We brought in a coach who embodies the spirit of the club and what we want for this season.”

Alexey and Ruan also spoke about their expectations for the upcoming season and their return to the court after being sidelined due to injury.

"I'm still in the recovery process, it was quite difficult being out last season, but that's water under the bridge and I'm very excited for the next season with the reinforcements and the team that's being assembled. I hope we can live up to what Flamengo deserves so we can get back on track to winning titles," said the point guard.

"I'm very happy with the team I've put together and I'm really eager to come back. I've taken good care of my mental health and I want to be in top form this season. You can expect a lot of fighting spirit and determination to help the team win titles," the power forward summarized.

After the initial speeches, Demétrius, Yago, and Didi were officially introduced to the press. The three received Flamengo jerseys and participated in the traditional photo session before answering journalists' questions.

The team's new coach, Demétrius, highlighted the honor of taking over FlaBasquete and spoke about the challenges of the new cycle.

"I wanted to thank President BAP, Marcus Vinícius, Diego, and Flamengo for their confidence in my work. I feel very fulfilled and happy, and I guarantee that hard work and commitment will not be lacking. I can't wait to put into practice everything we've been experiencing."

Back at Flamengo after a victorious spell at the club and years of prominence on the international stage, Yago highlighted the emotion of returning to Gávea.

"I confess that returning to Flamengo was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made. Like when I was at Paulistano, I had this dream and accepted the first offer. When I left here it was very difficult, and I promised myself that when I returned to Brazil, I would only play in one place. Sometimes you're away from home for a long time, and returning to have this comfort is different. So being here and wearing this jersey is special. I will give 100% and enjoy every moment on and off the court."

Didi, who won the championship with Flamengo in the 2023/24 season and has been a Flamengo fan since childhood, spoke about the significance of wearing the sacred jersey again.

"I'm very happy to be here again and the expectation is high. When the project was presented to me, I embraced it along with my family, and I'm a Flamengo fan. I've never hidden that, I've been a Flamengo supporter since I was little, and it's a privilege. Being able to play with Yago for the first time, having Demétrius as coach, and playing with Alexey again makes me really happy. I hope this season will be a great success for us and bring many titles."

The presentation of the new signings officially marked the beginning of a new chapter for FlaBasquete. With the retention of important players from the squad and the arrival of prominent names in Brazilian basketball, the Pride of the Nation continues its preparation for the challenges of the 2026/27 season.

The arrival of new reinforcements and the new coaching staff for the men's basketball team also expands the possibilities for the partnership between Flamengo and Sesc RJ, which this season has solidified itself as a distinguishing feature of the club's Olympic sports.

Beyond the results on the court, the cooperation is committed to encouraging sports at all ages, bringing high-performance athletes closer to children, adolescents, and young people served by the institution's programs.

Throughout the season, players and members of the coaching staff will participate in clinics, workshops, and sports activities at Sesc units in different regions of the state, helping to inspire new generations.

In this process, Flamengo athletes become role models and agents of social transformation, while Sesc RJ brings high-level sports closer to the daily lives of thousands of young people in Rio de Janeiro.