Olivinha asks fans for support for the National Team
Brazil's debut in the South American Championship will be this Thursday on Margarita Island, Venezuela; the team has eight Flamengo representatives in total.
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
The Brazilian basketball team began its preparations on June 30th for the South American Championship, which will be played from this Thursday (24.07) until Monday (28.07), on Margarita Island, in Venezuela. The forward/center Olivinha, the forward/point guard Vitor Benite, the point guard Gegê and the center Cristiano Felício, in addition to the coach José Neto, the assistant coach Rodrigo da Silva and the physical trainer Diego Falcão, are the representatives of Flamengo in the continental competition.
During nearly a month of training, the athletes underwent physical tests and medical exams, in addition to ball practice. Before traveling to Venezuela, the team trained in São Paulo. On July 16th, the group had its first on-court test, in friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador. On the 20th and 21st, another challenge arose: the Puerto de la Cruz International Tournament, in which the national team finished second. In the victory over Ecuador, Olivinha stood out with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The forward/center called on the Red-Black Nation to cheer for Brazil.
"Last season, we had an incredible year with Flamengo, and always with the support of this wonderful crowd. The strength that comes from the stands helped us a lot in winning titles. While the 2014/15 season doesn't begin for Flamengo, I want to ask for the support of the red-and-black nation for the national team in the South American Championship. We have four representatives from the team on the court, as well as part of the coaching staff. Send your positive energy to the team, and we will do everything we can to leave Venezuela with another title," assured Olivinha.
Brazil's debut in the South American Championship in Venezuela will be against Paraguay, in the first round of Group A. Ecuador (July 25.07) and Argentina (July 26.07) complete the national team's group. Group B includes Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The top three teams will qualify for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, while the top four will secure a spot in next year's Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas.
During nearly a month of training, the athletes underwent physical tests and medical exams, in addition to ball practice. Before traveling to Venezuela, the team trained in São Paulo. On July 16th, the group had its first on-court test, in friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador. On the 20th and 21st, another challenge arose: the Puerto de la Cruz International Tournament, in which the national team finished second. In the victory over Ecuador, Olivinha stood out with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The forward/center called on the Red-Black Nation to cheer for Brazil.
"Last season, we had an incredible year with Flamengo, and always with the support of this wonderful crowd. The strength that comes from the stands helped us a lot in winning titles. While the 2014/15 season doesn't begin for Flamengo, I want to ask for the support of the red-and-black nation for the national team in the South American Championship. We have four representatives from the team on the court, as well as part of the coaching staff. Send your positive energy to the team, and we will do everything we can to leave Venezuela with another title," assured Olivinha.
Brazil's debut in the South American Championship in Venezuela will be against Paraguay, in the first round of Group A. Ecuador (July 25.07) and Argentina (July 26.07) complete the national team's group. Group B includes Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The top three teams will qualify for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, while the top four will secure a spot in next year's Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas.