On the eve of the start of the quarterfinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) 7, the Pride of the Nation continues its preparations with a heavy training regime. While awaiting the outcome of the best-of-five match between Paulistano and São José—which is currently tied at 1-1—José Neto and his coaching staff are making final adjustments to FlaBasquete so the team can continue its quest for another title.

Perhaps this partnership between the Flamengo coach and his assistant staff is one of the reasons for Flamengo's success. Besides working together for years, José Neto has a family by his side, according to him. But one of the members of this coaching staff is probably one of the most important pieces, both in the coach's life and in the very construction of this super-champion team. Rodrigo Carlos, assistant coach of the Flamengo basketball team since 2013, is not only responsible for guiding the Flamengo team regarding its upcoming opponents, but also one of the club's best friends and right-hand man.

"Rodrigo is more than just a work colleague today. I consider him a brother. As time has passed, I've learned to respect him more and more. I met Rodrigo in 2003/2004. We always thought about working together, but it only happened in 2011, with the Brazilian national team, at the U-19 World Cup. We only worked together again later, when the opportunity arose for him to come to Flamengo. I didn't think twice and invited him to be my assistant. He's a guy who adds a lot to the group, above all else. He creates an excellent environment and knows how to position himself," said José Neto, adding, "His job is to work to keep us prepared. He's experienced, has a very critical eye on everything we do, which helps a lot in our development. We end up sharing not only basketball-related things, but also family matters. Even our children are close (laughs). Therefore, work doesn't weigh us down; it's something that does us good, because we're friends."

During NBB 7, with José Neto suspended for a first-round match against Palmeiras, Rodrigo Carlos took over the team and led them to another championship victory. The match served to highlight the complicity of thought between the coach and his assistant, ensuring that the team felt less of the burden of Neto's absence. "I'm as important as anyone else on the team. Each one has their role to play in helping the group. I don't know if we can say the word 'importance,' but we always strive to do our best. I continue studying and try to stay up-to-date on what's happening at all times because he's very demanding," Rodrigo commented about the coach.

"I thank God every day for making the decision to come and work here. Not just for myself, but for my entire family. My young children already support Flamengo. My job at the club is to help with training, finding out information about the opponents so we can provide the players with all kinds of statistics that can help them during the game. This role is even easier because my friendship with Neto is like being brothers. Furthermore, the players speak the same language as all of us, and we always try to help each other, whether on the court or in our personal lives. On our team, we can all count on each other; the goal isn't just for the player to play well, but for them to feel at home, embraced by everyone," he concluded.