For years, the sight of Marcelinho Machado lifting FlaBasquete's trophies was commonplace. It was an image the nation was already accustomed to seeing. The C4pitão, however, retired and left the mission to others. In the team's three-time state championship victory over Botafogo last Thursday, two famous names and fan favorites were tasked with lifting the trophy at General Severiano. Not just a captain, but two players who symbolize the past, the present, and, yes, the future of the Pride of the Nation.

Olivinha and Marquinhos held the trophy, one on each side, counted to 13, symbolizing the team's consecutive victories in Rio de Janeiro, and together lifted the first trophy of the post-Marcelinho era. The emotion on both their faces was clear. Not only for the occasion, but for knowing that at that moment a new chapter was being written and, as in many films, this duo now captains the new FlaBasquete.

"It's an honor, without a doubt. Being captain of the Flamengo team after so many years, alongside my teammate Marquinhos, is a truly great honor. We have a wonderful history together, going back over 10 years. It's only fair, and I'm very happy and need to keep up the good work," said an emotional Olivinha, still on the court alongside his longtime friend. The number 16 was collecting his eighth state title with Flamengo. The first, back in 2002, won alongside Oscar Schmidt, kicked off the eight-time Olympic lap streak.

"I arrived in 2002 and won my first championship at the age of 19, in my first competition. I've won eight state championships with Flamengo. Experience counts a lot, and I'm very happy to win another one. It was a goal for the season, and we'll go after all we can this season," he declared.

His teammate in many victories and joys with the Sacred Mantle was also thrilled with the honor. Marquinhos paid tribute to the former captain and made it clear that his pursuit of titles will not slow down.

"First, I'd like to win the titles Marcelo has. I'd like to continue working with Olivinha. Marcelo will be missed. I want to win everything he won, and it's very important to be captain of a title in Flamengo's history," declared the number 11.

Marquinhos, with Olivinha, has already won everything for Flamengo. Absolutely everything. Rio, Brazil, South America, and the world. The MVP of the last NBB holds a special place for the Carioca in his collection, but he's hungry and seeking new titles this season. And with a clear focus.

"The Campeonato Carioca has always been a part of Flamengo's history. They've won 13 consecutive titles, and I hope they continue that trajectory. Next week, there's an important friendly against the Orlando Magic, and there's also the South American Championship, which is very important and our main goal for the semester. There's the NBB, the season is starting, and we're going to pursue titles as a united team."

Together, Marquinhos and Olivinha have won six state titles, five Brazilian titles, the League of the Americas, and the Club World Cup. And now they lead the team to new achievements this season. Flamengo is grateful for the duo's presence. 

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, 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 from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.