The God of Race is ours! Olivinha renews with FlaBasquete and begins her 13th year with the club
Rubro-negro, who collects titles with the Pride of the Nation, signs for another season
By Helena Petry - inHaving already worn the Sacred Mantle professionally for 12 years, he's ready for another. A fan favorite, star player Olivinha has renewed his contract with FlaBasquete and will continue bringing joy to the nation until 2021. A key player in the campaign that secured the Mais Querido an undefeated run to the Champions League of the Americas final, the power forward heads the squad that will compete in the final, scheduled for the second half of this year.
"I have to thank the board and coaching staff for their trust in my work and say that it is a pride and an honor to be entering my thirteenth season as a professional Flamengo player. Continuing to write my story at this gigantic club, of which I am a fan and which lives in my heart, is priceless," commented Olivinha.
The red-and-black made his debut for the Mais Querido's first team in 2001, ending his first stint at Gávea in 2004. Three years later, he played the 2006/07 season for Flamengo, returning again in 2012. Since then, the God of Race has only wanted to know about the Pride of the Nation. His wish is to continue forever...
“I've said this more than once and I repeat that, if I can end my career at Flamengo, without a doubt it would be the perfect way to do it,” he said.
Olivinha has won five editions of the New Basketball Brazil Championship, a League of the Americas Championship, a Club World Cup, and nine state championships. The leading rebounder in NBB history and the first to reach the 3-rebound mark, Mr. Double-Double also has individual titles, including the MVP of the competition's finals twice, in 2016 and 2019.
"I've really achieved practically everything with FlaBasquete, and without a doubt, I want more and more titles. I think that's what I work for every day, I work very hard with the team's goals in mind, and this year will be no different," said the star, discussing his relationship with the club and its fans. "I'm from Rio de Janeiro, my family is from here, most of my friends are too, I'm a Mengão product. The affection the Nação Rubro-Negra has for me is impressive and makes me very happy to play for Flamengo, a team that allows me to compete for every title in every season. It's something that motivates me a lot, and of course, the love and passion I feel for the club always speaks louder when it comes to renewing my contract."
In addition to Olivinha, shooting guard Pedro Nunes, who signed a two-year deal in 2019, is also guaranteed a spot on the roster. Gustavo De Conti will remain in charge of the team next season, as will the rest of the coaching staff.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).