Flamengo took an important step toward revamping its basketball teams last Monday night. The ball went up for the first day of the Mengão Tryouts at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, bringing together young talents born between 1993 and 1997. On the first day, more than 120 players participated, and even more are expected to register on Tuesday. The results of those who remain with the club will be released on Thursday.

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Basketball supervisor André Guimarães can't hide his joy at the project's success. According to him, Flamengo's goal is to introduce young players to the sport and revamp the club's youth academy. The project for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is also crucial in the selection process.

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"It was super positive. 126 athletes came, across the three categories. In the 1993 and 1994 categories, we had 89 athletes. It met our expectations, everyone was excited, the gym was packed... It was really cool. Today we still have plans for more players to arrive to strengthen our team and on Thursday we can make this selection," he said.

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One of the attractions of the tryout is the presence of players from the professional team, two-time Brazilian champion, five-time state champion, and South American champion, on the panel that will select the players who will remain at Flamengo. On Monday, Fred was in charge, and today, it's Helio's turn.

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"I thought an initiative like this was very important. I'd never seen or participated in a tryout of this size in national basketball. I think all clubs should do the same thing, because it goes beyond a test and a training session; it affects the psychological aspect. The kid feels pressure, all feelings that are very close to reality, day-to-day life, with the presence of coaches and players literally testing each one," said point guard Fred.