Experienced and young, João Vitor connects the two profiles of FlaBasquete
The pivot will compete in his third NBB and serves as a role model for younger people, but continues to learn daily from adults.
By Lucas Dantas - in
He's already the tallest player in the NBB. At 2'13", João Vitor wants to be more than just a "tall guy." A Flamengo talent in the paint, the 19-year-old center will be in his third edition of the competition, and this time with a different role. Not as a player, but as a member of the FlaBasquete squad. João will be a kind of link between the older and younger players on the team. The familiarity he's gained over the years with Marcelinho, Olivinha, Marquinhos, and JP Batista will be very useful in this current situation, where he'll have to provide tips for Matheusinho, Aieser, and Ruan.
"Now I'm having to get used to explaining things to the kids in training too. I was always the youngest, the one who listened and learned. But since I've been here for a while, I have more experience, I've played against Gustavo, I've played in two NBBs, so I already have some experience for the younger players who are making up the adult team," explains the number 34, but without forgetting that there is still a long way to go and the interaction with the "big guys" remains very important.
"It's a new responsibility for me, but I think I'll be able to help them this way during the season and also listen to the older players in the same way. I have to listen, but I also have to do my part and listen a lot. Being with these guys is a great learning experience every day," adds João.
The mix of young and experienced players is one of the strengths João Vitor noted in the new FlaBasquete team. But not just age; the center highlighted the team's greatest strength as the team's resilience and strength. For a season with four competitions already secured, preparation will be crucial, and Gustavo De Conti's playing style will demand the most from the players, as João explained.
"His physical stamina is very different from last year. His game plan is to run more up and down the court and keep close tabs on the opposing team. If he sees an imbalance, he's ready to finish. The team was well-assembled for this. Physical stamina will be crucial this season. There are many games, and the game plan will demand a lot from the players, and that will be our strength."
While the schedule is generous with games, João Vitor hopes to seize the opportunities to further establish himself on the team. His goal is to participate more and work with Flamengo, but he knows the challenge is daunting and depends largely on himself to perform. In his position, Anderson Varejão and Rafael Mineiro are emerging with more experience. The young center is focused and wants to be on the roster to fulfill his dream of playing basketball at the highest level.
"I I hope to help Flamengo a lot on the court. It's in my hands to play. I hope to do everything I can to establish myself in the squad and have a great season," he concluded.
João will have his first opportunity next Saturday (18), in the debut in the State Championship against Botafogo, in General Severiano, at 11 am. May the season come for the Red-Black Giant.
The Flamengo Regatas basketball teams receive funding from their sponsors – Thinkseg, TIM, 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), as well as support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) through the decentralization of funds from the Pelé Law. The Flamengo Guardian Angel Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the club.