Rafael Mineiro is the new addition to FlaBasquete
"I'm very happy to now be part of this nation!" says the pivot
By Communication - Official Club Website - inAfter beating Macaé in the state championship, the Pride of the Nation has more good news for the Red-Black Nation. FlaBasquete has strengthened its squad with center Rafael Mineiro, who was with Limeira last season. In 2013, he had the most rebounds in the League of the Americas and won the Pan-American Games with the Brazilian national team.
"I've played with most of Flamengo's players. I played with Marquinhos and Olivinha for Pinheiros and with Rafa Luz, JP, and Gegê on the national team. I have more affinity with Rafa Luz, but I get along well with everyone... Both on and off the court. I have great admiration for all of them. They're great players! As for the expectations, they're the best possible, because it's a great responsibility to represent a great nation! And I'm very happy to now be part of this nation!" revealed the newest athlete of the NBB champion team.
When talking about the reinforcement, Póvoa also lamented the fate of Rafael Mineiro's former team:
Rafael Mineiro was supposed to play this year for the traditional Limeira team, third in NBB7. Unfortunately, the franchise requested a leave of absence from NBB8 due to financial difficulties. Flamengo would like to publicly express its full solidarity with this great opponent, who has always played in unforgettable duels against the Pride of the Nation. The situation in Limeira could have happened to any team, even though we are part of a league (LNB) that is currently an oasis within the structure of Olympic sports in our country. May Limeira return stronger than ever to NBB9. Unfortunately, the chaotic Brazilian sports model, where confederations and federations have access to most of the public resources to the detriment of the training clubs and where the private sector, with rare exceptions, does not support sports as a transformative element of society, could lead athletes in Olympic sports to a situation of total abandonment after Rio 2016. The Brazilian economic crisis contributes to this extremely worrying scenario. It is up to politicians and leaders, who truly care legitimately interested in sport, find solutions urgently."
"We're happy with the signing of another reinforcement. We lost key players at the beginning of this season because Flamengo became a benchmark, not only in Brazilian basketball, but also began to attract the attention of the NBA and Europe, after being world champions and three-time NBB champions. It was the natural price of success, which comes with great teams. However, we believe, within our planning, which has been adapting to the Brazilian crisis and the strong dollar, we have rebuilt the team to a high level to pursue all the titles," revealed Alexandre Póvoa, Vice President of Olympic Sports.
The player will officially report for medical examinations in Gávea on October 14.10th, in time to participate in the final stretch of preparation for the historic game against the Orlando Magic on October 17.10th at Arena da Barra. Before that, due to previously agreed contractual obligations, the athlete will participate as a guest in two matches that the Bauru team will play in the USA.
"I've played with most of Flamengo's players. I played with Marquinhos and Olivinha for Pinheiros and with Rafa Luz, JP, and Gegê on the national team. I have more affinity with Rafa Luz, but I get along well with everyone... Both on and off the court. I have great admiration for all of them. They're great players! As for the expectations, they're the best possible, because it's a great responsibility to represent a great nation! And I'm very happy to now be part of this nation!" revealed the newest athlete of the NBB champion team.
When talking about the reinforcement, Póvoa also lamented the fate of Rafael Mineiro's former team:
Rafael Mineiro was supposed to play this year for the traditional Limeira team, third in NBB7. Unfortunately, the franchise requested a leave of absence from NBB8 due to financial difficulties. Flamengo would like to publicly express its full solidarity with this great opponent, who has always played in unforgettable duels against the Pride of the Nation. The situation in Limeira could have happened to any team, even though we are part of a league (LNB) that is currently an oasis within the structure of Olympic sports in our country. May Limeira return stronger than ever to NBB9. Unfortunately, the chaotic Brazilian sports model, where confederations and federations have access to most of the public resources to the detriment of the training clubs and where the private sector, with rare exceptions, does not support sports as a transformative element of society, could lead athletes in Olympic sports to a situation of total abandonment after Rio 2016. The Brazilian economic crisis contributes to this extremely worrying scenario. It is up to politicians and leaders, who truly care legitimately interested in sport, find solutions urgently."
Check out the player's technical sheet
Height: 1,85m
Position: Pivot
Age: 27 years
Born in: Uberaba (MG)
Best results by selection
- Pan American Games
Gold medal in Toronto (Canada – 2015) – 34 points/5 games
- South American Adult Championship
Bronze medal (Venezuela – 2014) – 31 points/5 games
Gold Medal (Colombia - 2010) – 24 points/5 games
- U19 World Championship
4th place (Serbia - 2007) - 68pts/9 games
- Copa América - Youth Pre-World Cup
3rd place (United States - 2006) - 24pts/4 games
- South American Under-17 Championship
Bronze medal (Venezuela – 2005) – 47 points/5 games
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team receives direct funding from its sponsors – SKY, Estácio, and Peugeot – as well as investments from Tim through the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure, and Youth (ICMS). You can also contribute to the development of new FlaBasquete athletes by becoming a Red-Black Guardian Angel. Simply transfer up to 6% of your income tax due and receive your contribution back in your income tax refund. The program will be back on air soon.
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team receives direct funding from its sponsors – SKY, Estácio, and Peugeot – as well as investments from Tim through the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure, and Youth (ICMS). You can also contribute to the development of new FlaBasquete athletes by becoming a Red-Black Guardian Angel. Simply transfer up to 6% of your income tax due and receive your contribution back in your income tax refund. The program will be back on air soon.