Seven-time state champion Flamengo now seeks its third national title – its second in the NBB (New Basketball Brazil). The red-and-black team, Brazilian champions in 2008 and in the inaugural edition of the tournament, in the 2008/2009 season, debut this Saturday (November 19.11) against Paulistano, at noon, at the Tijuca Tennis Club gymnasium. Sportv will broadcast the match. Tickets cost R$12. Fans wearing the club's jersey pay half price.

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Flamengo has strengthened its roster with international basketball star Leandrinho, who will remain with the club until the end of the NBA strike; Argentine Kammerichs, bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics; American David Jackson; and Brazilian national team center Caio Torres. Assembled in August, the team has so far won its seventh state title on the 15th and secured a spot in the final hexagonal of the South American League, which will be played at the end of the month, at a location yet to be determined. 

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Having played in the NBA for nine years, Leandrinho has fond memories of the last time he competed in a Brazilian Championship. It was in the 2002 National League, with Bauru, when the São Paulo team won the championship. Now, he hopes to help the Red-Black team achieve another triumph.

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"I'm living a very happy moment in my life, being able to play again in my country and for such a strong team and with such wonderful fans as Flamengo. Since I went to the US, Brazilian basketball has evolved a lot. Today, we have a strong league, with high-level teams, and it will be a great experience. Flamengo sought reinforcements and put together a very good team, which has a chance of fighting for the title. I hope I can help," said the point guard. 

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Coach Gonzalo Garcia believes the State Championship and the first phase of the South American League were good preparation for Flamengo. But he remains grounded when it comes to the NBB:

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"Our goal is to always seek the title in every competition we compete in. In some games this year, Flamengo has had its ups and downs, and we're going to work to ensure the team maintains consistency, especially in defense," he said.

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Flamengo will be without captain Marcelinho for their first two games (Paulistano and Pinheiros). The player will serve a suspension due to the altercation during the match against Franca in the 2010/2011 NBB semifinals.

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After Paulistano, Rubro-negro returns to the court next Monday (21.11), against Pinheiros, at 21 pm, at the Tijuca Tênis Clube Gymnasium.

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The team's last training session before their NBB debut takes place this Friday, at 19 pm, at Tijuca Tênis Clube.