The greatest champion of the NBB, Marcelinho approaches five thousand points in the history of the championship
The red-and-black captain is six points away from the mark; Olivinha and Jerome are also close to breaking personal records.
By Isabela Abirached, Isabel Oberg and Raiana Monteiro - in
The most successful NBB CAIXA champion, with four titles—all with Flamengo—and the second-highest scorer in the competition's history, Marcelinho Machado could reach another significant milestone in the tournament while donning the Sacred Mantle. The red-and-black captain is six points shy of reaching 5.422 in the national tournament. The only athlete to achieve this feat is Shamell, from Mogi, with XNUMX points.
About to take the court for two more games in the best-of-five final series against Bauru, Marcelinho holds the distinction of being the highest scorer in NBB title deciders. The 41-year-old winger has played 13 final playoff games and averages 20,1 points. According to the Flamengo basketball legend, the key is dedication in training and teamwork. However, the number 4 is keen to emphasize the teams' balance.
More records in sightIt's not just the captain who can make history in the finals. Olivinha and Jerome are close to other personal bests. The power forward, who is the team's leading rebounder with 152 rebounds in the competition so far, shows he's also a good shot: the number 16 is four shots away from reaching 800 free throws made.
"I would be very happy to achieve this feat. The free throw is the only moment in the game when you are alone, without anyone marking you. For me, concentration is the key to scoring a basket," said Olivinha.
Jerome Meyinsse, two-time NBB champion with Flamengo and MVP of the 2013/2014 final, in a single game against Paulistano, arrives at the third final in three seasons needing two more dunks to reach one hundred.
"Will I be able to complete it in the next two home games? With the Mengão fans supporting me, I hope I can!", declared the pivot.
Speaking to the Nation, Marcelinho Machado made a point of praising the red-blacks.
About to take the court for two more games in the best-of-five final series against Bauru, Marcelinho holds the distinction of being the highest scorer in NBB title deciders. The 41-year-old winger has played 13 final playoff games and averages 20,1 points. According to the Flamengo basketball legend, the key is dedication in training and teamwork. However, the number 4 is keen to emphasize the teams' balance.
"The expectation for a final is always that the games will be very exciting, very tough. You can't predict what the next game or the series will be like; anything can happen. It could end in three games, or five. Basketball can't be predicted much. What you can predict are exciting games with two great teams on the court," he analyzes.
More records in sight
"I would be very happy to achieve this feat. The free throw is the only moment in the game when you are alone, without anyone marking you. For me, concentration is the key to scoring a basket," said Olivinha.
Jerome Meyinsse, two-time NBB champion with Flamengo and MVP of the 2013/2014 final, in a single game against Paulistano, arrives at the third final in three seasons needing two more dunks to reach one hundred.
"Will I be able to complete it in the next two home games? With the Mengão fans supporting me, I hope I can!", declared the pivot.
Speaking to the Nation, Marcelinho Machado made a point of praising the red-blacks.
The fans are essential to us, but what we've been focusing on in our training is that they will participate in the game in whatever way we allow them. We have very experienced players, accustomed to playoffs, semifinals, and finals. Every game is a story; anything can happen. But we're on the right track and have a very experienced team to handle these types of situations," he concluded.
The Pride of the Nation takes to the court on May 26th and 28th, at 17 pm and 14:10 pm, respectively, at Arena Carioca 2, for the next challenges of the best-of-five final series against Bauru. Click here and find out everything about the match.