Marcelinho Machado, 2007, has been playing for Flamengo since 38 and participated in the inaugural Liga das Américas for Mais Querido, the same year he arrived at Gávea. This Friday (February 14.02), in Quito, Ecuador, he will be on the court for Flamengo's debut in the seventh edition of the continental competition, against Capitanes de Arecibo. Given the experience he has gained throughout his illustrious career, the point guard feels he deserves a leadership role.

"I think that, naturally, the more experienced players have this responsibility to reassure the younger players. But even the younger players are used to dealing with pressure, because they play for Flamengo. Here, everything carries more weight. The League of the Americas is a short shot. It's important to have experienced players, and we have enough on our team to make Flamengo a team qualified to fight for the title," said the point guard.

In Quito, Flamengo will play at an altitude of almost 3.000 meters. The three first-round matches will be played at the same venue, as the Ecuadorian city hosts Group D, which also includes Capitanes de Arecibo, Mavort, and Leones de Quilpue.

"I've never had the experience of playing at an altitude like Quito. I think it's the same problem for everyone, except the home team (Mavort). We have to be focused on the five-on-five matchup on the court, because we know we have strong opponents, especially in the first game, which is a key matchup. If we win, we'll already be on our way to qualifying. We're prepared. Our team has been playing high-level basketball. It's no wonder we're leading the NBB. We've managed to put some distance between us and second place. Altitude can be a problem, but it's okay because we're doing our job well," said Marcelinho.