Mexican-American Lucas Martinez is FlaBasquete's newest addition! At 30, the 1,96'XNUMX" shooting guard joins Mengão's squad and signs a contract for the remainder of the season. Martinez previously played for Soles de Mexicali in Mexico and, with experience, has also played in Argentina, Israel, Venezuela, and the United States, his homeland, where he played for the University of Wyoming.

One of the stars of the Mexican national basketball team, Luke Martinez competed in the second AmeriCup qualifying round at the end of November, winning the MVP and top scorer title in both matches against Puerto Rico and the United States. The shooting guard averaged 17.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the competition.

About to play for a Brazilian team for the first time, his playing style and the Pride of the Nation, according to Luke Martinez, will be the perfect combination.

"I know that Flamengo is one of the best, if not the best, teams in Brazil and all of Latin America. I'm happy and very excited about my arrival at the club. Flamengo plays the game the right way. I think, with my knowledge and the way I play, we'll fit together perfectly," he said.

Martinez arrives in Rio de Janeiro in the coming days and, after following CUIDAR's health and safety protocols, will join the Flamengo squad to begin training for their NBB participation later this year. In 2021, FlaBasquete will also compete in the Super 8 and the Champions League of the Americas.

"The Champions League is a competition I've always dreamed of playing in. It's a great tournament with some of the best teams. As an athlete, it's where you want to be competing, and I'm beyond honored to wear the Flamengo uniform and represent their colors," the player celebrated.

The point guard also spoke about his anticipation for the match against the Nação Rubro-Negra (Red-Black Nation). Although fans can't be present in person yet, he hopes to experience the thrill of playing for Magnética by the end of the season.

"I know Flamengo fans. Everyone talks about them in Latin America. The fans are incredibly passionate, and I love that. They motivate many players to be better, and I thrive on that. I hope to experience that atmosphere," said Martinez, leaving a message for the nation. "You can expect great shots from me and you'll see an athlete who plays hard all the time on defense. I play with my heart, and I think you'll appreciate that. I can't wait to be part of this great team and represent Flamengo to the fullest."

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).