Marquinhos talks about the difficult series and expectations for the semifinals
Flamengo faces Botafogo for a spot in the NBB final
By Mariana Sa - in
This Friday (3), Flamengo begins another semifinal series. Facing Botafogo this time, the Mais Querido wants the chance to fight for the sixth Novo Basquete Brasil title in its history. Experienced in playoffs and decisions, winger Marquinhos spoke exclusively to the official website about his expectations and the Rio de Janeiro classic.
"I expect a tough series. All the matches against Botafogo were tough, decided in the final moments. I hope we can maintain our rhythm with a strong defense, a conscious attack, and moving the ball well, always looking for the best options. I think we're full of energy, while they're worn out from having played until the fifth match. We have to try to get some of that physical strength out of them in the opening match so they can feel it," said Marquinhos, who has played in all eight matches against the black and white team this season.
Flamengo was eliminated from the NBB early in the last two years, falling in the quarterfinals and semifinals. For the player, however, the team can learn from what happened, but shouldn't let it weigh them down. "These are different situations. We gained a certain amount of experience from everything that happened, and it also serves as motivation. We have a revamped team, with players who have the ambition to win their first NBB. That desire helps a lot. These are the basic ingredients we have to avoid dwelling on the past and project a better future," said the number 11.
With the Rubro-Negro's highest points average so far, the star player knows his importance in the final stretch of the competition. "I have to try to do the basic things I've been doing: putting players in favorable positions, finding open teammates, trying my best shot, making conscious decisions, putting in the effort defensively, and helping with rebounding. If I do these things, I think we have a good chance of advancing to the finals," the winger concluded.
The Most Beloved takes to the court this Friday (3), at 21 pm, for Game 1 of the series. Afterwards, it goes to Tijuca Tênis Clube in two consecutive duels. Tickets for the clashes with Flamengo's command are on sale at http://guicheweb.com.br/flamengo.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.