It took 54 days away from the courts and just over 20 minutes playing in Tuesday's (14) match against Mogi, at Tijuca Tênis Clube, for the NBB, for FlaBasquete point guard Ricardo Fischer to once again feel the energy of the fans in the gym chanting his name. Flamengo's main reinforcement for the 2016/17 season had not yet played this year with the Manto Sagrado, but he managed to meet all expectations by performing positively in the 19th match of the competition's classification phase. The player returned from edema in the posterior muscles of his right thigh and commented on his pre-match anxiety.

"I couldn't take it anymore. I barely slept that night (from Monday to Tuesday), thinking about going back, playing well and helping Flamengo win. That's what I did. Fortunately, we managed it. Every victory is important, even more so against a direct opponent like Mogi. This victory is worth two," celebrates Fischer.

Fischer played 20 minutes and 39 seconds on the court, totaling nine points, two rebounds, and four assists. In the final quarter, Fischer scored two three-pointers that sent the crowd in Tijuca into a frenzy. His performance effectively helped coach José Neto's squad win at home. Regarding the final result, the player adds:

"I'm very happy to be back. It's great to be able to do what I love and help my team win," concludes the red-and-black point guard.

The next clash of the Pride of the Nation will be this Thursday (16), at 20 pm, again at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym, against Campo Mourão. The match will be broadcast on the official Facebook page of the National Basketball League.

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsor Estácio, in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).