Rounding out the Flamengo squad for the Basketball Development League, we present the centers. Featuring players who regularly train with the adult squad, with the exception of João Vitor, who has been part of the FlaBasquete core group since last season, the Mais Querido brings a strong talent to the competition. 

The starting center and a key player in the LDB squad, João Vitor França embodies the red-and-black powerhouse near the rim. A key figure within the team, JV reviewed another experience defending Flamengo's colors.

"The LDB today plays a fundamental role in the careers of athletes who are just starting out; it's an excellent initiative! It helps give younger players like me more confidence in an adult squad," said João. About being a reference, the pivot continued highlighting: "TheI think I trained hard to be here, to be this reference, it's not for nothing. I will try to help the team with my basketball and always help the younger ones." 

Regarding playing with strong teams and at home, João Vitor concluded by highlighting one of coach Paulo Chupeta's statements.

"Chupeta always tells us that we don't have to enter the court looking the other way, we have to respect ourselves and let them look at us. Regardless of who we face, they will have to respect us," he concluded. 

Boasting immense potential, Thiago Carvalho, known as Sorriso, has always stood out in the club's youth academy. A product of Gávea, the power forward will compete in another competition representing the Sacred Mantle. 

"It's a championship of immense importance, at a national level and with teams that are considered very strong and therefore it will be a showcase for everyone to show that they have great potential. Our expectation is best possible, as we have been training very hard and our team has a lot of quality to have a great first phase", said Sorriso. 

"The experience we gained in the U-21 championship at the beginning of the year was very valuable, as we played against strong teams and saw the technical level was very high. It also helped us with our teamwork, as we are a new team with athletes from different categories," he concluded. 

Returning to Flamengo, André Miguel won the Copa Brasil de Clubes earlier this year with Fluminense. Determined to win another title upon his return home, the power forward brings his experience to another LDB tournament. 

 "The LDB is very important. It's one of the best youth championships, it's very visible, and the teams are of a high level. We have to use the competition to improve our basketball skills and use it as great preparation for competing in a championship as an adult," said André. 

Back at Flamengo, the player was thrilled to be defending the Sacred Mantle once again. 

"First of all, I thank God for being back with this great team. I'm very grateful to coach Paulo Chupeta for remembering me and to Flamengo for giving me this opportunity again. I'm very happy, because Flamengo was the first club to embrace me, revealing me to the world of basketball," explained the center, who continued talking about the lessons he teaches the younger players for the competition. 

"I always try to convey to the younger players that being at Flamengo is a huge responsibility. Everyone wants to wear this shirt, so we can't waste this opportunity. There will be five tough games against great teams, but we'll do everything we've been training to do and get a good result," concluded André Miguel. 

The youngest player in the squad at the position, Ruan is a promising youngster who excels in all categories. A regular at the senior team's training sessions, the center heads into his second LDB, this time better prepared. 

"The opponents in the LDB are of a very high level, but my team and I are prepared for this. We know it will be a good challenge and I have full confidence in everyone around me. We will give our best in every phase, always striving for victory," said the pivot, who concluded by talking about the lessons learned at the Under-21 Brazil Cup. 

"We didn't get the results we wanted, but it was a unique experience nonetheless. We can improve for the LDB, both tactically and physically. Our mistakes served as learning experiences, and since then, we've worked hard to achieve our goals," he emphasized.

Finally, the power forward spoke about the experience he is having with the adult squad and how much this can help his development.

"This is a very important experience for me. I'm having the great opportunity to observe and train with great, high-level players, who can help me perform better and develop better in my category and even in the LDB," concluded Ruan. 

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.