The red-and-black basketball team plays its first game in Rio de Janeiro next Wednesday (12/11), at 8 pm. The team, which has won two consecutive NBB championships, faces the Franca team in its third match in the championship. The match will be held at Tijuca Tênis Clube, a gymnasium that was the scene of great red-and-black victories in the 2013/2014 season, and promises to once again be a place of joy for the Mais Querido fans.
Playing at home has become a major advantage for Flabasquete in a championship as long and competitive as the NBB. Aware that fan support is crucial to the team's success, Nico Laprovittola, Pride of the Nation's point guard, emphasized this importance.
"The game against Franca will be very important for all of us. It's our first home match, and we have to demonstrate what Flamengo is all about. We're the last champions, and everyone will be highly motivated to play against us. Furthermore, the São Paulo team is very good, with a top-tier starting five for the NBB. We have to be careful and impose our pace, show how the Pride of the Nation plays. The national tournament is long and is just beginning, but, like last year, we can't lose focus. We must play every match the same way. That's how we've won everything, and we won't accept any compromises," said Nico.
"The game against Franca will be very important for all of us. It's our first home match, and we have to demonstrate what Flamengo is all about. We're the last champions, and everyone will be highly motivated to play against us. Furthermore, the São Paulo team is very good, with a top-tier starting five for the NBB. We have to be careful and impose our pace, show how the Pride of the Nation plays. The national tournament is long and is just beginning, but, like last year, we can't lose focus. We must play every match the same way. That's how we've won everything, and we won't accept any compromises," said Nico.