The lion, on his right arm, stands out among the 23 tattoos spread across his body. It's a symbol of strength and leadership; it represents a king. Not just the king of the jungle, but the king of Indianapolis. A king who arrives at Flamengo not as a lone star, but as another member of the red-and-black constellation. Experienced, the winger believes he can greatly contribute to the Flamengo team. "Defense comes first," he says, adding that he's also a natural scorer and is quickly adapting to the Flamengo style of play.

Diamond watch, tattoos, flat-brimmed cap, iPod blasting, gold teeth... All in true American basketball style. Not to mention the familiar accent and laid-back manner of speaking, characteristics of someone accustomed to living "in the hood." And like any good Indiana resident, he's a Colts fan. It's easy to recognize David Teague when you look at the Flamengo basketball team. And it's also easy to recognize him by his style of play on the court.

Speaking of teamwork and highlighting the quality of the group, David Teague, 27, the new basketball player, can't hide his excitement for his debut on Sunday (12/19) at Tijuca Tênis Clube against Paulistano. Interestingly, it's on his daughter's fourth birthday, as she's still in Indiana with her mother. So, what better way to give her and the nation a great gift this holiday season.

Check out the interview with the player below:

Adaptation to the River – I'm very happy. The city is wonderful. Much warmer than Indiana, it's true (laughs). But I'm pleased not only with the city but also with the treatment I've been receiving here at Flamengo. I've been welcomed with open arms. That's really great.

Flamengo Group – It's an excellent group, not only technically, but also in character. I've been here for a while, and even though I can't play, everyone tries to make me feel part of the group, to make me feel important. I've been well accepted and have already become part of this Flamengo family. It's impossible not to feel good about that.

Playing style – I always say that defense comes first. I'm very focused on helping the team and I've been working hard to do that. I'm a player who can contribute points too, but defense is crucial. I've also been trying to understand the entire team's playing style, adapting to their plays, because I care deeply about the collective game. I want to help the other players feel good too, distribute the ball, and help Marcelo play his game, because we know he's the leader, the one who commands attention, and when the ball lands in my hands, I hope to help.

Playing in South America – I'm American. I played in the United States, then for a while in Europe, and I think all of this is important for my game. Now that I'm here in South America, I'm going to dedicate myself completely, face new styles of play, learn new ones, and I'm sure this will only help me. I'll grow a lot with this experience. It's a great opportunity, especially in a group like this.

League of the Americas – I know it's a very important championship, with strong teams from every country on the continent, and I believe that's Flamengo's ultimate goal. And, for me, we have the perfect team, now with my arrival, with Marcelo, and with the other great players who are here, to pursue this title. It's a talented group, with great players who are also great people, and they will pursue this title at all costs.

Recipe for success – Look, I usually work a lot. Really a lot. Both to stay in shape and to improve technically, in shooting, defense... I always try to learn from my mistakes and watch videos of old matches to improve my game. As I said before, I also want to adapt as quickly as possible to this style of play, find spaces, understand the plays, and help the team, which is the main thing.

Tattoos – I have 23 tattoos. Each one is special. I have a biblical quote on my left arm, and on my right, a lion, the king of the jungle, which also represents my college, and they called me King back home (laughs). I hope to get at least eight more.

American Style – Yeah, man, that's how we are there, right? (laughs) It's a little different here. I have these teeth and I even had more, but I had them removed before coming here. It's normal, it's the style of people growing up in Indianapolis.

Homeland and NFL – Of course we miss family and friends, but I'm getting used to it. I really like American football, I'm a Colts fan, and unfortunately, we're not having a good season. Peyton Manning isn't having a great year either, he's having some difficulties, but the Super Bowl will be in Indiana, I think in two years, in 2012, and hopefully by then we'll have the best team to go for the title.