Forward Marquinhos and shooting guard Vitor Benite renewed their contracts with Flamengo this week and are guaranteed a spot on the FlaBasquete roster. Winner of the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in the NBB5 and best forward in the NBB 3, 4, 5, and 6 editions, Marquinhos signed a two-year contract. His teammate, the best sixth man in the last edition of the national championship, Benite, has secured another season with the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved).

 

Named one of the standout players of NBB 7 by the National Basketball League (LNB), Marquinhos commented on his decision. "What motivated me most to sign with Flamengo was joining a champion team, being in the city that will host the Olympics, being close to home, and playing in a league I already know. I want to prepare for the Olympics, which is a league I'd like to help Brazil win medals in. Besides being on a team that's always won champions, from the coach to the youngest player, everyone works hard. And also being at a club that's doing everything it can to improve and is currently experiencing a great moment. That's why I decided to stay," he stated.

 

For Benite, the quality of the Flamengo squad and the winning streak were also decisive. "I'm very happy. I believe that everything I've been through and the team has been through over the last three years, fighting for every title, winning multiple titles, and making history, made me want to continue. And striving to further contribute to the club's history. I'm very pleased that both the board and I have reached a very good agreement. I'm sure it will be a very good season for Flamengo with a very competitive team, and I hope to help the team compete for as many titles as possible to bring great joy to the entire Flamengo nation," he revealed.

 

There is a clause in both contracts that allows termination under penalty of transfer to the NBA or European basketball league.

 

Flamengo's next challenge for the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) is the State Championship in September. In October, they face the NBA team, Orlando Magic, at HSBC Arena as part of the American league's Global Games project. The first batch of tickets is already sold out; stay tuned for the second batch at tudus.com.br/nba2015.

 

FlaBasquete has a program that includes the development of young talents through the Sports School, Pre-Base Teams, Base Teams, and Wings, always valuing the development of youth athletes and leveraging them into the adult team. All of this is possible thanks to the State Department of Sports, Sky, Estácio, Adidas, and Peugeot. You can be part of this process by becoming a Rubro-Negro Guardian Angel and receiving your contribution back in your Income Tax refund.