The end of the year is always filled with treats. Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners feature turkey, tenderloin, pork... A true paradise for those who enjoy gorging themselves on food. However, for the athletes of the red-and-black basketball team, moderation comes first. The team doesn't return to training until January 4th, but until then, there's no rest. The players prepare on their own, with personal trainers, to stay in shape before returning to the court.

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Center Coloneze is a good example of this. Playing at Gávea since 2006, the number 45, along with Fred, is one of the longest-serving players on this squad and, therefore, one of the most successful. He has four Rio de Janeiro state titles, two national titles, and one South American title under his belt, but he wants more. After winning the Triple Crown (Carioca, Brazilian, and South American titles) in 2009, the player hopes to lift more trophies in the year that begins this Friday.

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Flamengo's first game after the end-of-year festivities is on January 10th, the first weekend of 2010. The Rubro-Negro hosts Paulistano, in a match that will mark the team and fans' reunion with center Baby, one of the standout players of the South American and national champion team in the first half of 2009. Coloneze will have the responsibility of marking his former teammate and wants to be well prepared for it.

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"It's good to take a break, take advantage of the time we have to rest and get some things done, but we can't stop training. So, I'm working out with a personal trainer to stay in shape. We're back with training on the 4th and a game on the 10th. In a week of doing nothing, you lose a lot physically. That can't happen," said Coloneze.