Marcelinho turns 35 and says he's living the best moment of his career
Flamengo's winger wants to receive the gift of the third NBB championship
By press office - in
Flamengo fans often joke that March 3rd, Zico's birthday, is Christmas in Gávea, a reference to the day Jesus was born and the significance of Quintino's "Galinho" for the red-and-blacks. Winger Marcelinho is still far from being compared to the club's greatest idol, but he certainly deserves a special tribute this Monday, April 12th, when he turns 35. Having played for Flamengo for three years and with a contract running until December 2012, the red-and-black captain says he is experiencing his best moment professionally and personally.
"I'm very happy to complete 35 years defending my beloved club. It's a truly special moment. In addition to everything we've achieved in the last two years wearing the Flamengo jersey, I'm close to my family and friends, and that's priceless. I hope I can continue to transfer all this happiness onto the court and help Flamengo win many more titles," said the winger.
Despite losing first place in the qualifying round to Universo/Brasília, forward Marcelinho is incredibly confident of winning his third national championship. And he has plenty of reasons for that. After all, the star ranks first in statistics for efficiency, three-pointers made, points average, and steals. With 710 points scored in 26 games in the first and second half of the season, Flamengo's number 4 averages 27.31 points; he's also Novo Basquete Brasil's leading ball stealer, with 2.46 recoveries and a 43 percent three-point shooting efficiency, his main offensive weapon.
As a birthday present, Marcelinho would naturally like to win his third Brazilian championship. But with the final still a long way off, the Flamengo star will have to settle for celebrating late. For now, his only thought is Flamengo's next opponent, on April 23rd, away from home, in the quarterfinals, against the team with the second-worst record in the preliminary round, qualified in the match between fifth and twelfth place.
"Everything points to our opponent being São José. Unless Paulistano wins the match against Pinheiros and qualifies for the quarterfinals. In that case, we would face Bauru, as Paulistano finished behind São José and Bauru in the final standings. We have two weeks to train hard and enter the playoffs 100 percent ready to face whoever comes our way," said Marcelinho.
"I'm very happy to complete 35 years defending my beloved club. It's a truly special moment. In addition to everything we've achieved in the last two years wearing the Flamengo jersey, I'm close to my family and friends, and that's priceless. I hope I can continue to transfer all this happiness onto the court and help Flamengo win many more titles," said the winger.
Despite losing first place in the qualifying round to Universo/Brasília, forward Marcelinho is incredibly confident of winning his third national championship. And he has plenty of reasons for that. After all, the star ranks first in statistics for efficiency, three-pointers made, points average, and steals. With 710 points scored in 26 games in the first and second half of the season, Flamengo's number 4 averages 27.31 points; he's also Novo Basquete Brasil's leading ball stealer, with 2.46 recoveries and a 43 percent three-point shooting efficiency, his main offensive weapon.
As a birthday present, Marcelinho would naturally like to win his third Brazilian championship. But with the final still a long way off, the Flamengo star will have to settle for celebrating late. For now, his only thought is Flamengo's next opponent, on April 23rd, away from home, in the quarterfinals, against the team with the second-worst record in the preliminary round, qualified in the match between fifth and twelfth place.
"Everything points to our opponent being São José. Unless Paulistano wins the match against Pinheiros and qualifies for the quarterfinals. In that case, we would face Bauru, as Paulistano finished behind São José and Bauru in the final standings. We have two weeks to train hard and enter the playoffs 100 percent ready to face whoever comes our way," said Marcelinho.