Flamengo's adult basketball team trained in full for the first time this season on Monday morning (03.09) at the Hélio Maurício gymnasium in Gávea. The players who competed in the London Olympics – Marcelinho, Marquinhos and Caio Torres –, as well as the American Kojo, who already has his work visa regularized, joined the other players, who had already been training for two weeks.

After an hour and a half of weight training, the players carried out their first technical training session under the command of José Neto, who also appeared on Monday.

"We've assembled a team capable of competing for every title we're up for. The signings were very well thought out. We have experienced players who already know each other and have played together, and this blend of experience will be our differentiator. Now, the most important thing is to make this squad a great team," said the coach, Ruben Magnano's assistant with the Brazilian national team.  

American Kojo, who arrived in Rio last Friday (31.08), also showed excitement about the team:

"I'm very happy and excited to be able to play for a team as great as Flamengo. I know it's a club with wonderful fans, and I'll do everything I can to bring them lots of joy," said the point guard.

Flamengo's first competition of the 2012/2013 season will be the State Championship, a date yet to be set. After that, the team will compete in the first phase of the South American League at the end of October and the NBB starting in November.