The NBA (National Basketball Association) announced this Thursday (16.04) that the Orlando Magic will face Flamengo, current Brazilian and Intercontinental Cup champion, in the American team's preseason in Brazil, on October 17, at Arena da Barra, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, as part of the NBA Global Games 2015. The game will be a repeat of the 2014 preseason clash, played on October 15 of last year.

 

In 2014, Flamengo traveled to the United States, where they participated in the NBA preseason, facing, in addition to the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns. Flamengo has two athletes with NBA experience. In addition to Marquinhos, who played for the New Orleans Hornets (2006/2007), the Pride of the Nation also has Argentine Walter Herrmann, who wore the Charlotte Bobcats (2006/2007) and Detroit Pistons (2007/2009) jerseys. 

"We are very pleased to host a Global Games match for the third consecutive year. Basketball is experiencing a very positive moment in Brazil. The sport has been evolving, developing, and regaining its place thanks to the organization and the good international results of the Brazilian National Team and its clubs. Confirming this major event strengthens the NBA's relationship with the country, further strengthens the connection with fans, and reinforces the partnership that the Brazilian office has with the LNB," revealed Arnon de Mello Neto, Vice President Brazil / Executive Director of NBA Brazil.

 

In 2015, Orgulho da Nação finished the qualifying phase of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) 7 in third place overall and continues in search of its fourth title in the competition (champion in 2008/2009, 2012/2013 and 2013/2014). In the quarterfinals, FlaBasquete will face the team from São José dos Campos.

When asked about the importance of the match against the Orlando team, Flamengo's Vice President of Olympic Sports, Alexandre Póvoa, expressed his joy. "Flamengo is extremely proud to represent the National Basketball League in this historic event celebrating its partnership with the NBA. For our club, this is the definitive consolidation of the sport's internationalization process, which began with winning the League of the Americas and the Intercontinental Cup, followed by the invitation—the first for a Latin American team—to play three NBA preseason games in the United States, and now reaches its culmination with this match against the Orlando Magic on our home turf. Flamengo fans and basketball lovers are already invited to a wonderful celebration on October 17th. May this dream for Brazilian basketball be just beginning," said the VP.

 

In addition to on-court action, the 2015 NBA Global Games will feature a series of off-court activities, including the NBA Cares social project and fan engagement at events throughout the city. This will be the third NBA Global Games in Brazil. More information at www.nba.com/Brasil.