Champion of the Americas! In the FIBA ​​Slam Dunk of the Decade award, FlaBasquete center Rafael Mineiro received the most votes in the continental stage, qualifying for the semifinals. Now, he faces Iran's Arsalan Kazemi, winner of the Asia-Pacific Championship, in search of a spot in the final.

Mineiro is the only Brazilian representative for the award. The play that put him in the running came while playing for the Brazilian national team at the 2015 Copa América in Mexico, against the hosts. Happy with the results so far, the red-and-black player wants to go even further and win the title for the nation. 

"I didn't even imagine participating, let alone getting to this stage now. I mean, my dunk was cool, and the people in Brazil are getting involved, enjoying it, and helping with the voting. I'm already very happy to have made it this far, but now I want more," said Mineiro.

With 52% of the vote, the center defeated Juan Toscano of Mexico in the third round. He had already defeated American Jaylen Brown, forward for the NBA franchise Boston Celtics, in the first round with 56% of the vote, and Colombian Braian Angola in the second round with 57%. Carlos Morais of Angola and Kristaps Porzingis of Poland will advance to the other semifinal. To vote, simply visit www.fiba.basketball/dunk-of-the-decade.