This week, the Ideal Quintet of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) was announced. In addition to Marquinhos, one of the selected forwards, Nicolás Laprovittola held a significant advantage over his rivals at point guard. In his first year in Brazil, the 24-year-old Argentine was one of the standouts of Flamengo's campaign, averaging 14,9 points and 4,9 assists per game, receiving a whopping 63,2% of the vote.

"Actually, I'm very proud, very happy. Being part of the Ideal Quintet is a dream of every player in the league. I'm happy to be part of the Flamengo team. My teammates, the coaching staff, the club, everyone helped me so I could be there. I have to thank everyone and the Flamengo fans too. I'm very happy and I'll do everything to give them the title," he said.

The red-and-black athlete arrived at Flamengo about a year ago and can point out the differences between Argentine and Brazilian basketball, after his first season at the Gávea club.

"They're very different. I think Brazilian basketball has a more dynamic, faster pace. It's much faster than basketball in Argentina. They play more defensively and tactically there. I like the style here and I feel comfortable with it. My teammates helped me a lot in adapting," he analyzed.

After winning a Carioca and a Liga das Américas - this one in an unprecedented and undefeated way - Nico will be the starting point guard in another final for Rubro-Negro, the NBB 6, next Saturday (31.05), at 10:10 am, at HSBC Arena.

Buy here your ticket and be the Sixth Player on the court.