Continuing the presentation of the players who will be part of FlaBasquete's squad for the 2018 LDB competition, which will be held next week, the Mais Querido's Official Website gathered the team's forwards. Featuring names already known from Flamengo's youth academy and athletes from the senior squad, the forwards are versatile and could play a key role in the team's strong performance. 

Joining FlaBasquete's adult squad, 18-year-old Aieser Batista brings experience from playing in the Campeonato Carioca and adds weight to the players in position 3. 

Returning to Flamengo after a stint at Fluminense, where he captained the team and won the Copa Brasil U-21, Felipe Machado, known as Felipin, returns home and could be a key player for the group. At 20, the player was in the preliminary squad for the Brazilian national team that competed in the South American U-21 tournament. 

"This championship is very important, as the athletes are transitioning from the youth team to the senior team. It's a difficult period of adaptation, where those who play in this championship are looking to gain more playing time and rhythm, and consequently, opportunities. I believe we'll play well; we have good players in all positions. With focus and determination, we'll achieve our desired goal," Felipin emphasized.

With a successful history in the youth ranks of Mais Querido, the young man highlighted the importance of returning to Flamengo. 

"It's a very important club on the national and international scene. It's great to be back. I've been through a lot here, I've had a lot of joy. I try to convey to the younger players that every game is a battle. Everyone who plays against Flamengo wants to win; they'll always come with something extra to play against us. We're under a lot of pressure, and we have to know how to handle it."" said the winger. 

"Being back is incredibly joyful and important. I played here for two years, and there were many happy and learning moments. I was champion four times during my time there, and having the opportunity to play for the club again, competing in the LDB, fighting for titles, is very important. I always say that from the moment you put on the Flamengo jersey, everything is different. You have to always be willing to give your best, to win, and everyone is showing that," Varela said.

"The LDB is the most important championship I've ever played in. Even when I was 17, I felt the weight. The competition is immense, the teams are well prepared, and it's a turning point for many players." "I expect very competitive, very physical matches, but the will of each player will determine who emerges victorious. We go into every match with one thought in mind: to win. We have to enter the court with determination and knowing that we have to win every game," he concluded. 

One of the standout players from the Flamengo youth academy, 17-year-old Lucas Aprígio, will also be participating in the LDB, bringing with him a strong performance in the Copa Brasil U-21 earlier this year. He also played for the senior squad in the match against Niterói. 

Closing the list 18-year-old winger Matheus Assis completes the lineup. Having played for Vasco da Gama and with the trust of Paulo Chupeta, he will be competing in his first LDB.  

The Flamengo Regatas basketball teams receive funding from their sponsors – Thinkseg, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), as well as support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) through the decentralization of funds from the Pelé Law. The Flamengo Guardian Angel Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the club.