Everything is going well for Flamengo basketball: state title and 14-game unbeaten streak

Pedro Ivo Almeida\ SPORTS JOURNAL\

Signed as the team's star, Marcelinho has been responding with great performances

Since the arrival of star Marcelinho, in September of last year, Flamengo's board, together with the coaching staff, already knew the path to follow and the objectives to be achieved by the team.

In its very first competition, the team led by Marcelinho, Duda, Hélio & Co. already demonstrated its strength: it lifted the state championship trophy without giving its rivals, including Fluminense and Vasco, the slightest chance, both of which had partnerships with top teams on the national scene.

But the red-blacks were not satisfied with just that achievement, the arrival of 2008 brought a new challenge, the search for the unprecedented title of the National Championship, and just like in the state dispute, the team from Gávea has been having an excellent campaign and proving to be one of the big favorites for the title.

Statistic

The numbers are the best proof of the red-and-black team's strength. Paulo Chupeta's team boasts the leading attack, the best record (100% - 11 wins in 11 games), and the best average (the division between points scored and points conceded). They also boast winger Marcelinho, the competition's top scorer, most efficient player, and leader in ball recoveries.

The red-and-black coach avoids the atmosphere of favoritism and makes a point of highlighting not only individual highlights, but the strength of his entire squad.

"The secret to our success has been the strength of our squad. We have excellent individual talent, but the strength of the group has undoubtedly been our greatest asset. Everyone, when they step onto the court, is fulfilling their role to the best of their ability. We had a conversation at the beginning of the championship; there was a huge commitment, not only to the club, but to the fans as well. We want to give them this title as a gift. And with each passing day, we manage to improve; with each difficult situation, they learn a lesson and grow even more," Chupeta analyzed.

The next step for the red-and-black team toward the title is next Sunday at 11 a.m. against Saldanha da Gama in Espírito Santo. In the first leg, Flamengo won 94-79. Next Tuesday, in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, they will face the Cetaf team.