The most important competition in national basketball, the NBB (New Basketball Brazil) begins this Saturday (24.11) for Flamengo. The team debuts against Vila Velha, at 19 pm, at the Tartarugão Gymnasium, in Vila Velha (ES).

Two-time Brazilian champion – in 2008, when the National Basketball Championship was still being played, and in 2008/2009, in the first edition of the NBB –, Rubro-Negro revamped the team to seek its third national title.

And coach José Neto's first objectives have already been achieved: the team won its eighth state championship undefeated and places in the second phase of the South American League and the League of the Americas.

"Our goal has always been to transform our great players into a great team. And we're on that path. Today, after the State Championship, friendlies, and the first phase of the South American League, I see Flamengo with greater maturity, more confidence, and a stronger sense of team spirit," analyzed coach José Neto, who also spoke about the opening match: "Vila Velha is the current Espírito Santo champion and is being built to be a competitive team in the NBB. They've made several signings and are practically a new team."

For Neto, the fifth edition of the NBB will be the most balanced yet. The coach emphasized the importance of having the highest number of wins in the first phase:

"Flamengo has assembled a team to fight for the top spots in the NBB. But we're aware that this year's championship will be very tough, and we want to reach the playoffs with the advantage of playing the most games at home. Therefore, every victory in the qualifying phase is very important," he concluded.

After their NBB debut, Flamengo travels to São Paulo on Sunday (November 25.11) to play the second phase of the South American League at the Pinheiros gymnasium. Flamengo is in Group F, alongside Brasília, Pinheiros, and Tiburones de Vargas (VEN). Their debut will be next Tuesday (November 27.11) against Brasília. The following day, they face Pinheiros at 22:10 pm and conclude their participation on November 29.11 against Tiburones at 20 pm. Two teams will qualify for the final four, from December 4 to 6, at a location yet to be determined. From Group E, Argentina's Peñarol and Regatas Corrientes have already qualified.