South American League hexagonal clashes defined

Flamengo will face Franca and Boca Juniors in the first phase of the final stage of the tournament, which will be in Rio

By From the official website team - in 12/11/2010 às 11:15

This Friday morning (12.11) marked an important moment for Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian basketball at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium in Gávea. With the presence of ABASU president Gerasime Bozikis, known as Grego, FBERJ president Alvaro Almeida, and CBB director of international relations Paulinho Villas Boas, Flamengo committed to hosting the final hexagonal of the South American Basketball League in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta, player Bábby, and vice president of Olympic sports Cristina Callou attended the ceremony.

The competition will take place from November 24th to 28th, with six clubs (Brasília, Flamengo, Franca, Espartanos-VEN, Boca Juniors-ARG, and Quimsa-ARG), which were divided into two groups in a draw also held this Friday. Franca and Boca Juniors were placed in Group A, and Quimsa and Brasília were placed in Group B. In the third phase of the draw, Flamengo, as the host club, had the chance to choose which phase to play in. Chupeta opted for Group A. Thus, Espartanos completed the group of Quimsa and Brasília.

"Every country and every club wants to hold this type of event. It's the best basketball experience. We've been holding the finals in Argentina for three years, and this year there was a consensus to hold it in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo is a great club, the Arena is spectacular, and there wasn't even a vote on it. It was a consensus that the club, the CBB, and FBERJ would organize this hexagonal tournament. We'll have the cream of South American basketball here," said ABASU (South American Basketball Association) president Gerasime Bozikis, also known as Grego.

Center Rafael Araújo, known as Bábby, champion of the South American Championship in 2009, celebrated the fact that he was returning to Flamengo to compete for the second championship.

"I was already part of Flamengo's history with the first South American title, and being back here to play another final stage of the League at home is great. This is basketball's time, and I hope we win the title," he said.

Legacy for the city – FBERJ president Alvaro Lionides also emphasized the importance of this competition in helping to grow basketball in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. For him, this hexagonal tournament proves that Flamengo is the leading player in the sport in the country and that the city is on track to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

"Flamengo is the strong point of basketball, not only in Rio, but throughout the country. Rio hosting a South American competition final again after ten years is very important at a time when the city is preparing to host the Olympics and Brazilian basketball is experiencing a resurgence," added Alvaro Alvimeda, president of FBERJ.

Check out the competition table:

Wednesday (24.11)
19pm – Quimsa x Spartans
21pm – Franca vs Boca Juniors

Thursday (25.11)
19pm – Brasilia x Quimsa
21pm – Flamengo vs Boca Juniors

Friday (26.11)
19pm – Brasilia x Spartans
21pm – Flamengo x Franca

Saturday (27.11)
15pm - 1st A x 2nd B
17pm - 1st B x 2nd A

Sunday (28.11)
10am – Third place
12:XNUMX – Decision