JP Batista is the new athlete of the red-black basketball team

The player, who recently won the French Championship with Limoges, joins the red-and-blacks in Toronto. After the Pan American Games, JP Batista will be the new red-and-black pivot.

By Communication - Official Club Website - in 16/07/2015 às 16:19

After announcing the renewals of Benite, Gegê, Marcelinho and Marquinhos, who joined Olivinha and Meyinsse (both in the second year of their contracts), Flabasquete presents its new pivot: João Paulo Batista, better known as JP Batista, signed last Wednesday (15.07) a one-year contract with the Most Beloved in the World, to join Flamengo in the 2015/16 season.

JP had a distinguished career in North American college basketball (2002-2006), where he played for four years (2002-2006). He then transferred to European basketball, where he enjoyed a successful tenure over the last decade (2006-2015), playing two years in Lithuania, one in Latvia, and eight in France. His main achievements included being runner-up in the European League with Lithuanian club ULEB - Lietuvos Rytas in the 2006/07 tournament and champion of the French League with Limoges in the 2014/15 season. Having played for the Brazilian national team several times, JP will now have the opportunity to return to his home country to strengthen coach José Neto's squad. Before donning the Sacred Mantle, his new teammates were able to welcome the player, who is currently in Toronto, Canada, for the Pan American Games.

"I'm very happy with the deal. I was really looking forward to returning to Brazil and doing this for Flamengo... It couldn't be better. I'm sure we'll form a great partnership and bring a lot of joy to this huge Flamengo fan base," JP revealed happily.

After four NBB (New Basketball Brazil) titles, one Liga das Américas title and the greatest achievement in our rich history in the sport – World Champion (Intercontinental Tournament), Flamengo is assembling a strong team to try to stay on top in the 2015/2016 season. The experience of JP Batista, 2007 Pan American champion and 2009 Copa América champion with the Brazilian National Team, will be another asset for the red-black team in this constant fight for the top spot on the podium in all the competitions it participates in.

Welcome JP Batista, to the Pride of the Nation!

Check out JP Batista's technical sheet below:

Position: pivot

Date of Birth: 29/10/1981

Place of Birth: Recife (PE)

Height: 1,85m