Pedrinho performs with the under-22 team in Gávea
Newly signed point guard by FlaBasquete speaks exclusively to Flamengo's Official Website
By Raiana Monteiro - in
On the afternoon of this Monday (08), the Flamengo U22 basketball team officially presented itself at Gávea to begin work aimed at competing in the LDB, the Basketball Development League, promoted by the National League of the sport. Among Among the newly signed athletes is point guard Pedrinho., who will also be part of the FlaBasquete senior team. The player, coached by Rodrigo Carlos, visited Casa Flamengo before meeting with the team and spoke exclusively to the official website of the beloved club.
Official Website – You're joining Flamengo to play for both the senior and U-22 teams at Gávea. How do you see yourself in this dual role?
Pedrinho - Coming to Flamengo is a dream for me. Something I've said I wanted since I was little. I'm very happy that it's happening now. Regarding the court, I intend to help in the best way possible, in whatever is needed, whatever Neto and Rodrigo ask of me. They are full of players with national team experience and important titles, so I want to help as much as I can and learn a lot from them.
You're a point guard, and in our senior team we have Ricardo Fischer in that position, as well as Ronald Ramon and Humberto, who play positions 1 and 2 very well. I'd like you to discuss your role on the team alongside these players.
Fischer needs no introduction, a fantastic point guard who has been on a huge rise in recent years. Unfortunately, he had this injury, but he's practically ready to return, now with Flamengo. A natural point guard who knows how to pass the ball well, knows how to get to the basket when he needs to. A leader on the court, and in the games I played against him, that was clear. Ramon is a great player, as is Humberto, and they are two players who I see as being more focused on finishing, on scoring. Ricardo is more of a playmaker. I think I'll play there depending on each game. You have to feel how your teammates are doing. Of course, the point guard's primary role is to assist and organize the team, so I'll try to do that, but also always with aggression towards the basket.
Flamengo has been undergoing a major restructuring of its youth academy in recent years, always with the philosophy of developing players who are capable of joining the club's senior team in the future. Last year, for example, we played in the LDB (Liga de Desenvolvimento de Basquete - Basketball Development League) with a very young team. What are your expectations for the 2016 LDB?
When I came here, I even joked with my parents that I was now going to a club that has countless titles, and I'm a guy crazy about titles. Back when I played for Pinheiros with Humberto, we won every final we played in. Now we even joked: "Now we have to play the final because we have a 100% winning record." Our goal is definitely to be champions of the LDB, the NBB, and the LDA. We will always go onto the court looking for the win.
And what's it like to be part of a group that will compete in the Liga das Américas basketball tournament?
When I was 16, I was part of the Pinheiros team that won the LDA championship. I only played one game, but just being with a group and having the opportunity to interact with more experienced players was incredible. It was a time when I learned a lot. Now, with Flamengo, more experienced and with more playing time, being able to spend more time on the court, I think it's a different situation. I'm sure we'll fight hard for this title.
Is there a player on the current senior basketball roster that you've always dreamed of playing with?
I think they're all amazing players. Marcelinho, even over 40, is still playing fantastic football, really well; Marquinhos was on the national team at the Olympics; JP played in France and now he's on the national team too; Olivinha, with all the passion he shows on the court; Mineiro... anyway, when I wasn't playing and there was a Flamengo game, I liked to watch it on TV. Now I'm very happy to be a part of it, because I'm here with them.
What does your move to Flamengo represent for your career?
It's an objective achieved. I want much more than just playing for Flamengo; I want titles, I want to make history. Playing here is a huge responsibility, and you have to be ready for it.
You know there's pressure from the Flamengo fans and all the responsibility that comes with that. What are your expectations when playing in front of 40 million people?
We know the responsibility that comes with wearing the Sacred Mantle. We know that if technique isn't enough, it will have to be through sheer grit, that you have to give your all on the court. I think that won't be lacking, dedication, grit, because I know how important Flamengo is.
Finally, leave your message for the Nation.
They can expect from Pedrinho a guy who's here to help in the best way possible, who will play every game as if it were a final, and who wants titles. I came to Flamengo to be a champion, I want to be a champion, and we will be champions! (laughs)
Official Website – You're joining Flamengo to play for both the senior and U-22 teams at Gávea. How do you see yourself in this dual role?
Pedrinho - Coming to Flamengo is a dream for me. Something I've said I wanted since I was little. I'm very happy that it's happening now. Regarding the court, I intend to help in the best way possible, in whatever is needed, whatever Neto and Rodrigo ask of me. They are full of players with national team experience and important titles, so I want to help as much as I can and learn a lot from them.
You're a point guard, and in our senior team we have Ricardo Fischer in that position, as well as Ronald Ramon and Humberto, who play positions 1 and 2 very well. I'd like you to discuss your role on the team alongside these players.
Fischer needs no introduction, a fantastic point guard who has been on a huge rise in recent years. Unfortunately, he had this injury, but he's practically ready to return, now with Flamengo. A natural point guard who knows how to pass the ball well, knows how to get to the basket when he needs to. A leader on the court, and in the games I played against him, that was clear. Ramon is a great player, as is Humberto, and they are two players who I see as being more focused on finishing, on scoring. Ricardo is more of a playmaker. I think I'll play there depending on each game. You have to feel how your teammates are doing. Of course, the point guard's primary role is to assist and organize the team, so I'll try to do that, but also always with aggression towards the basket.
Flamengo has been undergoing a major restructuring of its youth academy in recent years, always with the philosophy of developing players who are capable of joining the club's senior team in the future. Last year, for example, we played in the LDB (Liga de Desenvolvimento de Basquete - Basketball Development League) with a very young team. What are your expectations for the 2016 LDB?
When I came here, I even joked with my parents that I was now going to a club that has countless titles, and I'm a guy crazy about titles. Back when I played for Pinheiros with Humberto, we won every final we played in. Now we even joked: "Now we have to play the final because we have a 100% winning record." Our goal is definitely to be champions of the LDB, the NBB, and the LDA. We will always go onto the court looking for the win.
And what's it like to be part of a group that will compete in the Liga das Américas basketball tournament?
When I was 16, I was part of the Pinheiros team that won the LDA championship. I only played one game, but just being with a group and having the opportunity to interact with more experienced players was incredible. It was a time when I learned a lot. Now, with Flamengo, more experienced and with more playing time, being able to spend more time on the court, I think it's a different situation. I'm sure we'll fight hard for this title.
Is there a player on the current senior basketball roster that you've always dreamed of playing with?
I think they're all amazing players. Marcelinho, even over 40, is still playing fantastic football, really well; Marquinhos was on the national team at the Olympics; JP played in France and now he's on the national team too; Olivinha, with all the passion he shows on the court; Mineiro... anyway, when I wasn't playing and there was a Flamengo game, I liked to watch it on TV. Now I'm very happy to be a part of it, because I'm here with them.
What does your move to Flamengo represent for your career?
It's an objective achieved. I want much more than just playing for Flamengo; I want titles, I want to make history. Playing here is a huge responsibility, and you have to be ready for it.
You know there's pressure from the Flamengo fans and all the responsibility that comes with that. What are your expectations when playing in front of 40 million people?
We know the responsibility that comes with wearing the Sacred Mantle. We know that if technique isn't enough, it will have to be through sheer grit, that you have to give your all on the court. I think that won't be lacking, dedication, grit, because I know how important Flamengo is.
Finally, leave your message for the Nation.
They can expect from Pedrinho a guy who's here to help in the best way possible, who will play every game as if it were a final, and who wants titles. I came to Flamengo to be a champion, I want to be a champion, and we will be champions! (laughs)