The clock struck zero at the UniBH Arena last Saturday. Flamengo, the most successful Super 8 champion, confirmed its second consecutive title and fourth overall in the knockout tournament. Amid the celebrations, filled with veterans, multiple champions for the Pride of the Nation, such as Franco Balbi, Jhonatan Luz, and coach Gustavo de Conti, a boy from São Luís, Maranhão, shouted: "I'm back to win, I'm back to be champion."

Ruan Miranda grew up surrounded by sports, directly influenced by his aunt, Iziane Castro, a former player for the Brazilian women's basketball team who has two Olympic appearances under her belt. From a young age, basketball was part of his routine, and Iziane played a key role in that.

"My aunt was always a big influence, because as everyone knows she was an athlete and always made sure I was immersed in that environment - gradually introducing me to basketball," recalls Ruan.

Despite his family's tradition with the orange ball, the young Maranhão native's favorite sport was volleyball—and it wasn't until 2014, at the invitation of the state national team, that Ruan participated in his first basketball tournament. From an early age, he stood out among the young talents, being called up to train with Flamengo's professional team at age 15. "My first contact with the club was a turning point. It was a dream come true to be on a team of this caliber, with a gigantic structure and immense tradition. I knew I had to seize this opportunity and give it my all," he says.

The young prodigy's first stint at Gávea was no different. Despite his limited playing time, Ruan collected important titles, such as the NBB, the Super 8, and the Champions League Americas. "Working with experienced players every day helped me evolve significantly, both technically and mentally. I absorbed everything, understanding that this period was crucial for my growth and that I needed to be patient, even though I wanted to get on the court."

Seeking more opportunities, Ruan left Flamengo at the end of the 2021 season. He toured Brazil, was named NBB's Young Player of the Year, MVP of the Development League, and even had his first experience with the Brazilian national team. Last season, Ruan was playing basketball in Mexico, with stints with Capitanes and Astros de Jalisco.

In late 2024, Flamengo was looking to strengthen its defense and saw the perfect opportunity in the Gávea native. Ruan, now more mature and established as an athlete, arrived to play a new role for the red-and-blacks: that of a standout. "Returning to Flamengo was a surprise to me. I wasn't expecting the offer, but as soon as Gustavo (De Conti) contacted me, I was thrilled to accept and return to Mengão. It was my dream to return and be a protagonist here."

And Ruan's return proved to be a very good one. The club's top scorer in the Super 8 final, the center produced the game's most decisive play, a last-minute block on Franco Baralle, the Minas Gerais point guard.

"Being able to win a title in my first full season, playing a starring role, was an indescribable feeling. Being the top scorer in the final and also having a memorable moment, like the last-minute block, was special. It's the kind of thing you dream of doing when you're in the youth academy watching the other players. Experiencing it in reality was surreal."

Now, the goal is to continue writing his story with the Sacred Mantle. "I came back for this, to be champion, to play a decisive role and leave my mark on Flamengo's history. When the game ended and the title was secured, that was exactly the feeling: mission accomplished. Of course, the ambition remains, and we have more goals ahead," concluded Ruan.

The young center's next match has a set date and time: this Sunday morning, at 11:10 a.m., "Mais Querido" faces Boca Jrs at the Hector Etchart Gymnasium in Buenos Aires for the Champions League Americas. On Monday, at 21:20 p.m., Flamengo closes out the qualifying round of the continental competition against Toros de Chiriqui at the same venue. It's worth noting that "Pride of the Nation" has already secured first place in Group B and, consequently, qualification for the tournament's quarterfinals.