The red-and-black basketball scene is literally on the rise. On Wednesday afternoon (August 25.08), Gávea welcomed young center Fabrício Paulino de Melo, known to many abroad as Fab Melo, to the Gávea stadium. The new Brazilian star is playing in the United States and has been touted as the next Brazilian to join the NBA.

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Standing at 2 meters and 13 cm tall, Fab, who now plays for the famous Syracuse University, fulfilled a long-held dream: he visited Flamengo for the first time, a club he has supported since childhood.

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The young prospect was welcomed by point guard Hélio at the FlaConcept store, where he had the opportunity to see the New Brazilian Basketball trophy won by Flamengo in 2009. In a joyful mood, Fabrício revealed that he has admired point guard Hélio's basketball since his time with Uberlândia.

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"As I'm from Minas Gerais, I started playing for PBF Olympico, from Minas Gerais, in 2006. I saw several of Hélio's games when he was still playing for Uberlândia. It's a great joy to be here with him at the club of my heart," said a smiling Fab Melo.

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The player, who was called up to the Brazilian national team by coach Rubén Magnano, received a personalized Flamengo shirt from point guard Hélio.

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"Right now I'm thinking about college and a possible spot in the NBA. But who knows, maybe in the future I'll be here, defending the colors of my favorite club. The last time I met Flamengo was in 2001, when I was in the general area at Maracanã and watched Pet's unforgettable goal, which won us our third state championship," he declared.

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Happy with the reception, Fab Melo was able to tour the club's facilities, also accompanied by basketball director Arnaldo Szpiro, and took the opportunity to share words of encouragement with the young players in the Rubro-negro youth team.