It's FlaBasquete day on the court in Colombia. Making its debut in the South American League this Tuesday (3), at 19:45 pm, Flamengo faces San Martín de Corrientes, from Argentina, in Chocó, and tries to start the competition on the right foot. Winning the competition is worth a spot in the League of the Americas, in 2018. 

Flamengo is in Group A, alongside San Martin de Corrientes, Hebraica y Macabi, and Cimarrones del Choco. The games will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The top two teams in the group qualify for the second round, with the date and location yet to be determined. 

Hey, coach!

Before the debut, coach José Neto spoke about the challenge and what Flamengo will face in Colombia. According to the coach, Flamengo has been drawn into the toughest group in the competition.  

"We knew from the beginning that the South American League would be very difficult. We started preseason training on the first day of August, and even without a full squad, we worked with the players who were available. Today, we have a group capable of competing in any competition, and we're preparing to meet all expectations," analyzed José Neto, FlaBasquete coach.

"It's a tough group. From the moment we found out our opponents, we knew it would be one of the toughest groups in the competition. San Martín de Corrientes was the top-ranked team in Argentina and has strengthened for this match. They're a strong and intense opponent. Hebraica Macabi was the Uruguayan champion and has a very physical style of play. Cimarrones del Chocó is the home team, so we know they'll be tough too. We hope to play on equal terms with all of them and return with a place in the next round," the coach predicted.

This will be Flamengo's ninth appearance in the South American League. In 2009, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) painted the continent red and black for the first time when, with a spectacular performance by captain Marcelinho Machado, they defeated Quimsa in Argentina in front of a packed stadium, 98-96. Scorer of 41 points in the final, the number 4, along with coach Paulo Chupeta, led FlaBasquete to the undefeated title.

It is worth remembering that Orgulho da Nação is a two-time champion of the South American Championship, organized before the current League, winning titles in 1953 and 1961.

The competition will be broadcast on SporTV throughout Brazil. Fan club members get more Flamengo on match day: discounts on Sky packages with pay-per-view and beer to watch on TV, and perks at official stores to wear the jersey! Click and feel the pride of being a fan club member.

You can also follow the real-time action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #FlaBasquete. Follow us on Twitter, No. Instagram and like our page on Facebook. FlaTV also brings exclusive behind-the-scenes and match footage to the Red-Black Nation. Subscribe with just one click—it's free!