Meet Flamengo's point guards for the 2019 LDB competition
Matheusinho, Pedro Nunes, Thiaguinho, João Vitor Belmiro, Gabriel Andrade, Igor Gabriel and Magno will be the names of the perimeter
By Victor Cachoeira - inThe Brazilian Interclub Championship – Basketball Development League (LDB) is about to begin! Next Wednesday (24), at 13:30 pm, Flamengo begins the competition in the main youth competition in the country. Playing at Tijuca Tênis Clube, the Mais Querido is looking for its third championship and has a strong squad led by coach Rodrigo Leonardo 'Galego'.
Before the tournament begins, the Rubro-Negro's official website presents the players who will defend the Sacred Mantle this season. In this part of the series, you'll learn more about the team's point guards: Matheusinho, Pedro Nunes, Thiaguinho, João Vitor Belmiro, Igor Gabriel, Gabriel Andrade, and Magno.
A member of the FlaBasquete squad that won the NBB 11 championship, Matheusinho is one of the players in position 1. Having played for Tijuca Tênis Clube and Palmeiras, the 19-year-old will compete in his second LDB wearing the Sacred Mantle. In the last edition, Matheus was one of Flamengo's standout players, finishing the competition with an average of 16,4 points, 5,9 rebounds, and 4,9 assists per game.
Pedro Nunes arrived at Flamengo this season after stints with Joventut Badalona in Spain and IMG Academy in the United States. One of the brightest prospects in Brazilian basketball, the number 16 player is poised to lead the team in its quest for a third LDB championship.
João Vitor Belmiro, known as Joãozinho, is a Gávea native. Even at 17, the boy exudes talent and enters his second LDB wearing the Sacred Mantle.
Thiaguinho joined Flamengo this season. Previously, he excelled in the youth ranks of Vasco and Fluminense and will be a key player in the Flamengo rotation.
Igor Gabriel is a multiple champion in Flamengo's youth academy. Heading into his second LDB, the player, who is also a member of the Brazilian 3x3 National Team, has high expectations.
"Expectations are always the best possible. We're having the best preparation on and off the court, and our goal is to have the best possible result in both stages to qualify for the final stage in September. We want the title for the first time. Regarding being one of the favorites, we're a team like any other, but it's always good to play under pressure."
Gabriel Andrade is also one of Flamengo's new signings for the season. The point guard arrived in Gávea for the LDB competition and has played for Círculo Militar, Spain, and the United States.
"My expectations are the highest. It will be a tough competition with three stages and 3 teams. We know it will be a very competitive championship, but we remain strong in this final stretch of training. I, personally, was away from Brazil for almost three years. This time I spent in Spain and the US helped me a lot in my maturation on the court. I was able to improve and play, but nothing compares to receiving an invitation from a club like Flamengo to be able to return to play in Brazil. I promise to give my best and my all so that we can have an excellent championship. Our team has a lot of talent and our leadership couldn't be in better hands. I truly believe in our team and our potential."
A Gávea native, Magno Faria is close to competing in his first LDB. With the red-and-black spirit, the number 6 is excited about the competition.
"I've been preparing for this championship for a few years, and now it's my turn. I'm going to give it my all. I'm excited and ready for my first LDB. I'm sure the team is well-trained physically and tactically. We'll face some difficulties, but we won't give up. We'll go together, because this is Flamengo."
The Most Beloved debuts on Wednesday (24), against Maringá. Always playing at 13:30 pm, the red-blacks face União Corinthians on Thursday, São José on Friday, Basquete Cearense on Sunday and Pinheiros on Monday. The clashes will be at Tijuca Tênis Clube.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – 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), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.