The time is approaching for the trip to Quito, Ecuador, where Flamengo will compete, starting on Friday (February 14.02), in the first phase of the Americas Basketball League. With departure scheduled for Wednesday (February 12.02), coach José Neto led training on Monday (February 10.02) and will continue to train throughout the week, including on the opening day against Capitanes de Arecibo. It is time for the final adjustments.

"In fact, within our planning, we're following a routine of adapting players who were out of the squad and are now integrated into the team's growth process. The goal is to arrive at the Liga de las Américas as close to ideal conditions as possible. We have this week to adapt to the ball, which is different, and to the specific conditions of the competition," explained José Neto.

As a good coach, José Neto likes to study his opponents so Flamengo can be well prepared and avoid surprises. However, most of the clubs competing in the Liga das Américas have a unique characteristic that makes this observation difficult.

"Most of the teams in the Liga de las Américas, except for the Argentine and Brazilian ones, are formed specifically to compete in this competition. So, we end up having to study our opponents more individually than as a team. They don't have much material as a team. They bring reinforcements to the Liga de las Américas and, therefore, change their game structure," said the red-and-black coach.

After their debut against Puerto Rico's Capitanes de Arecibo, the Mais Querido will face Mavort and Leones de Quilpue on February 15th and 16th, respectively. These four clubs are in Group D of the competition.