Flamengo found out, this Thursday (06.09), its opponent in the debut of the NBB 2012/2013. According to the table published by the National Basketball League, Rubro-Negro will face Vila Velha in the first round, scheduled for 24.11, at the Presidente João Goulart Gymnasium (Tartarugão), in Vila Velha (ES).

The Rio de Janeiro team will play its first home game only in the third round, on November 29.11th, against São José, at the Tijuca Tennis Club. This season, the NBB will feature a record number of teams: 18 in total. Palmeiras, Mogi das Cruzes, Suzano, and Basquete Cearense are the new additions.

Flamengo will have a revamped squad in action. Of the players who competed in the last edition of the NBB, only Marcelinho, Caio Torres, and Duda remain with the team. The club signed forward Marquinhos, forward/point guard Vitor Benite, forward/center Olivinha, point guards Kojo and Gegê, and center Shilton, in addition to coach José Neto.

"Our focus will be on the gradual development of our team. Vila Velha confirmed its participation in the tournament recently, so we don't have much information about the team yet. More than worrying about the opponent, we have to worry about our own growth, since we have a new team, with players who are not yet accustomed to playing together," assessed coach José Neto.