With six preseason matches, three in the Campeonato Carioca, and three other appearances in the NBB9, this is the history of Humberto, FlaBasquete's shooting guard who arrived at the club in mid-2016 as one of the team's biggest prospects for the 2016/17 season. Having dreamed of donning the Sacred Mantle since childhood, the player finally felt the responsibility of stepping onto the court in a red-and-black uniform, but two injuries soon forced Humberto to postpone the joy of hearing the nation's cheers in his favor.

 

In his first injury, while still playing for the Rio de Janeiro team, Humberto left the court in the third quarter after suffering a fracture in his left foot in a match against Macaé on October 06, 2016. As a result, the Gávea number 19 was out of action until December 20, recovering. Shortly thereafter, on January 08, 2017, Humberto suffered the same fracture again, requiring surgery (osteosynthesis, according to team doctor Dr. Cláudio Cardone). This time, the player watched virtually the entire qualifying round from the sidelines. With the Pride of the Nation Playoffs approaching, it was also time for Humberto to make his debut for Flamengo again, against Pinheiros in the NBB quarterfinals.

 

"After surgery, we performed initial treatment to reduce swelling and pain, and we also started to dissociate the scar. In a second stage, we began working on improving the ankle's range of motion and strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the feet and ankle itself. In a third stage, we began to strengthen proprioceptive strength. It's worth remembering that we performed a comprehensive assessment of him, aiming to correct imbalances, and we designed some preventative exercises for his return to the court," explains FlaBasquete physiotherapist Ricardo Machado, who worked in partnership with CUIDAR physiotherapist Domingos Trece during Humberto's recovery.

 

The shooting guard returned to training with the team approximately two weeks ago. Coach José Neto is adamant about the possibility of counting on the promising youngster for the playoffs.

 

"Humberto is undoubtedly a player who will add a lot to the team. He has a physical strength that allows us to play with greater intensity both offensively and defensively. His technical versatility allows him to play in more than one position, thus increasing the team's tactical options," says the multi-champion coach.

 

Exclusively for Flamengo's Official Website, Humberto speaks for the first time about his expectations for returning to the courts.

 

"I'm feeling good. Much better than I expected. The work of (Diego) Falcão and Rafa (Rafael Bernardelli), the team's physical trainers, was essential, once again. I returned at the same pace as the group, so it's a very good expectation. This week we had off and this week and a half of training were very important not only for me, but for the whole team. We're getting back into game rhythm and now it's time to play, right? The time to wait is over and now it's a week to focus on returning."

 

"I have a huge affection for Pinheiros because it's where I spent practically my entire youth career. It's where I was promoted to the professional team, where I started playing. But now I'm wearing the Flamengo jersey, so I hope to win and advance to the playoffs, which is our first objective. I'll do everything I can to help the team qualify for the next stage."

 

"It's very difficult to be out. Since I arrived at Flamengo, I've made it very clear to everyone that it's always been my dream to play here, ever since I was a kid, ever since I started playing basketball. It's always been my dream to be here one day. Coming here in my first year, when I was fulfilling a dream, and not being able to play as I expected was very difficult for me, but I've kept my head above water not only for the next year of my contract, but also because I'll be able to play again. When you're injured and know you're going to miss an entire season, it's much harder. When you're injured and know you can play again and help the team, it gives you peace of mind. Of course, I also relied heavily on the support of the coaching staff and the other players. Everyone gave me their full support to be ready for when this moment came. Now it's time for the playoffs, and I'll be able to be on the court again. Like it or not, it's the most important moment of the championship. It's time to forget what happened; God knows all things. Now it's time to think about the playoffs."

 

"The whole team helped me. There wasn't one specific guy. Marquinhos, perhaps, helped me more because we live in the same complex and ended up going back and forth to Gávea for training. But my family, who were always by my side, were the ones who supported me the most. When I couldn't put my foot down yet, I spent three weeks in São Paulo, and having their support was very important. It made me feel very secure and confident for the Playoffs now."

 

Flamengo returns to the court in NBB9 this Friday at 21 p.m. in São Paulo against Pinheiros for Game 1 of the best-of-five quarterfinal series of the Playoffs. SporTV will broadcast the match.

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsor Estácio, in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).