If there's one name the nation has been asking for in the Revival of the Americas, it's Rafael Hettsheimeir. And he's here. After a few years of falling short, the 34-year-old center will don the Sacred Mantle in the 2020/21 season. About to begin his career with the Mais Querido, surrounded by expectations, Hett had an exclusive chat with the Official Website and expressed great enthusiasm for his first steps at Gávea.

After the announcement of his signing, which brought the Brazilian basketball scene to a standstill, the World's Largest Fanbase showed its immense satisfaction with Mengão's new number 30. In his first appearance as a red-and-black player, Hettsheimeir celebrated the warm welcome from millions of passionate fans.

"It's always really nice to see this affection from the fans, especially when it comes to the Red-Black Nation, which is very passionate. Everyone welcomed me very well, I'm happy to have received this reception and I hope to reciprocate all this affection towards me," he said excitedly.

When asked about his motivation to sign with FlaBasquete and the main challenges of the season, Rafa highlighted the size of the club nationally and internationally.

"What motivated me to sign with Flamengo was the club's history. Being a team with a strong presence in Brazil and abroad attracts any player. The biggest challenges will be the titles we're about to compete for. We'll be well prepared. I'm really looking forward to working with my teammates, getting into the swing of things as quickly as possible, and beginning this journey that I hope will be full of achievements with the Manto Sagrado," the center emphasized.

Regarding the assembled squad, Hettsheimeir stressed the importance of the group already having a base from last season.

"We have a team that is already formed, solid, and with great players. I think my arrival, that of Yago and Chuzito will only add even more to a squad that was already very strong. We will definitely give it our all on the court and go for all the titles."

Finally, the giant once again emphasized his joy at being at Flamengo.

"I'm very happy. I want to honor the Sacred Mantle and certainly have a year of many victories and titles," concluded the star.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).