The nation asked for it, and he delivered! Rafael Hettsheimeir is Flamengo's newest addition for the Resumption of the Americas. With extensive experience in European basketball, the Brazilian national team player arrives at the Mais Querido as one of the key players for the season. In the last NBB, the center averaged 13,5 points and 5,1 rebounds per game, in addition to winning the MVP title of the Super 8 Cup. With a dominant playmaking style in the paint, Hett is a reference in the position and, with his experience, will be crucial for the Rubro-Negro in its quest for the top of the continent. 

In his first words as a Mengão player, the giant spoke about the reasons that made him sign with Orgulho da Nação.

"Flamengo is a great club, with countless achievements and great players, which was a big motivation for my decision. I already knew most of the squad; I worked with Gustavo De Conti and Diego Jeleilate on the Brazilian national team, and that also helped a lot. I'm very happy to be joining Flamengo on this journey. I hope to give my best and help the club win every title we compete for," said Hettsheimeir. 

Regarding his playing style, the pivot highlighted the significant progress he has made in his career and how this can help Rubro-Negro.

"Over time, my playing style has evolved significantly, especially my shooting, which I've been honing since my youth days. My inside game has also improved significantly; it's where I have a bit more of an advantage during the match and I try to exploit it. I continue to work and grow. Now that I'm joining a well-established and championship-winning team, I'll do whatever it takes to contribute even more," he emphasized.

After countless duels against Flamengo, Hett will now be alongside the Biggest Fanbase in the World. The number 30 joked about the strength of the squad for next season.

"I practically know the entire team. I have great friends, and it will be great to play with them in this new challenge. I'm really looking forward to getting started and being in Rio training with Gustavinho and the whole team. Flamengo is a victorious and very big club, a club that competes for every title to win, and that motivates me. When I played against them, it was always very difficult, but thank God now I'm on the red-and-black side, and we're the ones who will cause a lot of damage to our opponents (laughs)."

Finally, Rafael spoke about the possibility of winning the Americas, a tournament he won in 2015.

"I'm very motivated for the Champions League final. I'm training during this pandemic to do a great job and bring home this title, which is very important and adds a lot to a player's career and the club's history."

Rafael Hettsheimeir is the third reinforcement announced by the club, along with Chuzito González and Yago Mateus. The three join Olivinha, Marquinhos, Franco Balbi, Jhonatan Luz, Rafael Mineiro, Leo Demetrio, and Pedro Nunes in the squad for the 2020/21 season under coach Gustavo De Conti.