You Interview: Guilherme Teichmann
EXCLUSIVE: Flamengo's main signing for the 2009/10 basketball season answers questions from Agência Fla readers
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
In another edition of "You Interview" on Agência Fla, the journalism team from Flamengo's official website spoke on Thursday afternoon, November 12, with the club's basketball power forward, Guilherme Teichmann. The forward was the club's big signing, four-time Rio de Janeiro champion, two-time national champion, and South American champion, for the 2009/2010 season.
According to coach Paulo Chupeta, the 26-year-old athlete from Santa Catarina has a winning spirit and will quickly fit into the red-black team.
Teichmann was one of Limeira's standout players in the last edition of the Novo Basquete Brasil (New Basketball Brazil) championship, averaging 13,2 points, 7,1 rebounds, 1,8 assists, and 1,5 steals per game. With Limeira, he also won the 2008/09 São Paulo State Championship. Coincidentally, Teichmann began his career in adult basketball at Flamengo's archrival, Vasco. His career began with Corinthians in Rio Grande do Sul, and the forward played for Monte Líbano (SP), South Plains College (USA), the University of Tulsa (USA) – where he was considered for the NBA Draft – and Universo/Ajax (GO), before playing for Limeira and joining Flamengo.
Check out the player's answers to questions emailed to us by Agência Fla readers, which were selected by the club's official website team. The player also answered questions from the official website team and spoke about the beginning of his career, his expectations for the season wearing the Flamengo jersey, his adaptation to Rio de Janeiro, and much more.
Flamengo Official Website Team - How did you become interested in playing basketball?
Guilherme Teichmann When I was little, in Santa Cruz do Sul, the city was all about basketball. I always followed it. And that Corinthians team, coached by Ary Vidal, was a great role model for me. From the ages of 11 to 15, I played in the youth teams and always watched the professional games. It was a huge influence on my career.
Flamengo Official Website Team - Who are your idols in sports?
Guilherme Teichmann It's been so long since anyone asked me that (thoughtfully). These days I don't have a role model or anything like that, but when I was a kid, I loved watching Shawn Kemp play. He was a strong player who dunked a lot, had great physical power, and, of course, Michael Jordan, who decided every game and was a complete player.
Flamengo Official Website Team - Tell us a little about your time at Vasco.
Guilherme Teichmann It was my professional debut. I stayed at Vasco for a year and a half, and it was a place where I learned a lot. I was coached by Helio Rubens, and the group included players like Rogério, Demétrius, Charles Bird, Vargas, Helinho... It was a great group, where I learned a lot and which gave me a great foundation for going to the United States.
Flamengo Official Website Team - What did you learn from USA Basketball while playing in college tournaments?
Guilherme Teichmann – I spent four years there and learned a lot. American basketball is much more physical and intense, so I learned a lot from that. Also, an important thing is the fundamentals work they do: how to use your hands, how to use your feet, and that also helped me a lot.
Paulo Júnior Moreira de Mattos, 26 years old, civil servant, Florianópolis (SC) - Hello Guilherme, I would like to know why you didn't join the NBA? What was missing? I also wanted to know why you chose to play for Flamengo?
Guilherme Teichmann I think my team needed to perform better in college basketball. We didn't qualify for the NCAA championship, so I didn't get much exposure, and some coaches didn't believe I had a chance either. It was a dream I ultimately didn't achieve, but I still hope to play abroad. Regarding coming to Flamengo, without a doubt, what made me choose the right option was the desire to compete for titles in the important tournaments the club is competing in. I value that a lot, especially for my growth as a player.
Ed Carlos Alves Holanda, 32 years old, lawyer, São Paulo (SP) – Good afternoon, I would like to know your opinion regarding the professionalism of Brazilian basketball, and what is your biggest dream regarding your professional life?
Guilherme Teichmann Basketball in Brazil, unfortunately, still falls short when it comes to professionalism. It's a passionate, dynamic sport that could be explored much further in the country. Regarding my biggest dream, I believe it would be to play in the Euroleague. I once hoped to go to the NBA, but that phase has passed, and now I'm thinking about playing for a strong club in Europe and competing in the Euroleague.
Gustavo Castelo Branco Sobrinho, 25 years old, banker, Salvador (BA) – Guilherme, what's it like for you to play for a club that has the most passionate fans in its football stadiums and have that passion reflected in the basketball courts?
Guilherme Teichmann I haven't had any contact with the huge red-and-black crowd yet, but I believe it will be really cool. In Limeira, we also had a passionate fan base that was always behind the team, but of course, Flamengo is different. I saw a lot of the fans' celebrations on television and I'm eager to see them in person. Besides that, there are other differences: the fans are everywhere, not just in Rio. This is unique, along with the HSBC Arena, which is a very comfortable arena with a large capacity.
Flamengo Official Website Team - How is your adaptation to Rio de Janeiro going?
Guilherme Teichmann Rio de Janeiro is a great city, and like any big city, it has its pros and cons. It's great to have so many leisure options. You can do so many things: go to the beach, see a play, see a movie... But at the same time, there's the traffic, the violence... Anyway, so far, I'm really enjoying it and having the opportunity to experience Rio in a way I never knew before.
Danilo Santos Villa Flor, 16 years old, student, Alagoinhas (BA) "Guilherme, what was it like for you to join a club that's won two South American titles and three national titles? Another question: do you think the salary delays will affect the club in the NBB?
Guilherme Teichmann When I arrived here, I didn't experience any difficulties because I found a great group, one that you can tell is a winner and adapts easily. In terms of off-court factors, the group is also experienced and knows how to deal with difficulties, which gives me greater peace of mind, even though it's a different situation for me. So far, it hasn't hindered me because I don't let it influence my game, but I hope it resolves itself soon.
Lucas Cruzeiro Codeceira, 14 years old, student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Teichmann, after being eliminated from the South American Cup, I would like to know if Flamengo is prepared and capable of winning the Liga das Américas for the first time, the tournament that qualifies for the Basketball World Cup?
Guilherme Teichmann Last year, Flamengo came very close. They even beat Brasília, but then lost to another team and were eliminated. I believe the two competitions are at a very similar level. Last season, the team came close but didn't quite make it, but this time I believe we have a good chance. In the South American League, we had some important absences, and the team was also lacking match fitness, but for the Liga das Américas, with a full squad and a string of matches, we'll be ready.
Julio José dos Santos Terroso, 50 years old, self-employed, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)) – How do you manage, being such a slender player, to have so much strength and momentum to make so many dunks? There are times when you look like an American center...
Guilherme Teichmann I believe this is a natural ability. Since I was little, I've always had a lot of drive and speed, and with intense physical training over the years, I've evolved. I've always had this quality, so to speak, and I like this style of play.
Gilsimar Cardoso, 42 years old, public servant, Brasília (DF) – Hi Teichmann, I'm sure you've already adapted to the group, which I consider strong offensively. My concern is the defensive system. I don't have as much knowledge as you do, but from the commentary and watching the championship games, I'm concerned about our paint. Unfortunately, we lost Baby. What will the team do without a pivot (player number 5), the one who grabs the most rebounds?
Guilherme Teichmann It's natural for the fans and even the team itself to miss Baby, who is a great, iconic player who stands out in Brazilian basketball. But I don't think we're without a player at this position. Quite the opposite. We have Coloneze, Alírio, and Wagner, who are very present. Of course, the loss of Baby weakens the group a bit, but we remain very strong. Winning the 2008 National Championship is proof that this factor won't be the difference between our championships or not, because Flamengo won with the same centers who are here today.
Matheus Marques Martins, 14 years old, student, Brasília (DF) - Teichmann, what do you think of Flamengo's basketball team and what are your goals for the club in the 2009/2010 season?
Guilherme Teichmann I want to win titles here. The group is very strong, and not only my goal but that of the entire group is to seek the national or Liga de las Américas title, and I'll dedicate myself fully to that.
Marcel Pereira, 32 years old, economist - Teichmann, which opponents with the strongest paint will Flamengo face in the NBB?
Guilherme Teichmann Not only in the paint, but in general, our main opponents will be Minas Gerais and Brasília, who have maintained their core and strengthened for this season. Furthermore, Joinville and the São Paulo teams, such as São José, Franca, and Paulistano, are good teams and could also pose a challenge.
Flamengo Official Website Team - How can the Rio 2016 Games contribute to the development of sport in Brazil and Rio?
Guilherme Teichmann – This could be very important for basketball in Rio de Janeiro. I hope new teams emerge, that the jersey teams return to play in the State Championship, and that we have a strong championship here in Rio. Because Flamengo can't just have a top team in a state with such a tradition in the sport. I believe we can get more sponsorship and more attention for basketball with the Olympic Games.
Fabio Rodrigues Thiago, 23 years old, Physical Education teacher, Niterói (RJ) - Guilherme Teichmann, what benefits would broadcasting the NBB on an open channel bring to Brazilian basketball and, consequently, to Flamengo?
Guilherme Teichmann The widespread adoption of the sport would be crucial. Broadcasts on open channels increase the number of people who watch basketball, giving the sport a larger audience, and this makes a huge difference. It brings basketball to everyone and can generate significant returns for the clubs.
André Amaral, 23 years old, civil servant, Vitória (ES) You're considered one of the greatest defenders in Brazilian basketball. How do you find the balance between good defense and the strong offense that Flamengo has always had?
Guilherme Teichmann Flamengo has a very strong attacking group. Knowing this, we strive to work hard on defense, marking strongly and using counterattacks as a weapon, since we have very fast and efficient players like Duda and Marcelinho. The offensive system is strong, so we work hard on defense.
Flamengo Official Website Team - The team has been training and playing at HSBC Arena. What technical benefits does this facility provide for the players, and how do you compare it to others in Brazil and abroad?
Guilherme Teichmann In Brazil, there's no arena as complete, and the biggest beneficiaries of all this are Flamengo fans, not to mention the club itself. I believe the Arena can still be a great partner and a major asset, even in the search for sponsors. It's a world-class arena and, as the name suggests, multipurpose. It can be used for a variety of events, even on basketball game days, like in the NBA, to attract fans.
Wellington Flores, 54 years old, engineer, Belo Horizonte (MG) – What do you think of Flamengo's Olympic sports structure, especially basketball? Is it a competitive team?
Guilherme Teichmann I see these sports taking place at the club, but I don't have any other details about their current situation. However, Flamengo is undoubtedly a well-rounded club with enormous potential in this area. The work must be done very seriously to fully exploit these sports, such as gymnastics, swimming, and volleyball.
Flamengo Official Website Team - You and Coloneze are both Twitter fans. How do you use this tool to connect with the media and sports fans?
Guilherme Teichmann It's a great way to express my opinion. Because, usually, our opinion is expressed by other people. In interviews, in the press... On Twitter, we can share our thoughts, our opinions, about a wide range of situations, with fans, friends, and even the press itself. There's even a funny story: when I joined Flamengo, I posted on Twitter that I was negotiating with the club, mostly to let my friends know, and I ended up forgetting that I had some followers in the press. So, the news ended up becoming an official announcement without me intending it. Despite this, I believe it's a very interesting tool for me to express myself and also to receive feedback on my work. It's great to have this relationship with the fans. It's a great space to talk and listen, to give opinions and respond, and to stay well connected with the fans.
According to coach Paulo Chupeta, the 26-year-old athlete from Santa Catarina has a winning spirit and will quickly fit into the red-black team.
Teichmann was one of Limeira's standout players in the last edition of the Novo Basquete Brasil (New Basketball Brazil) championship, averaging 13,2 points, 7,1 rebounds, 1,8 assists, and 1,5 steals per game. With Limeira, he also won the 2008/09 São Paulo State Championship. Coincidentally, Teichmann began his career in adult basketball at Flamengo's archrival, Vasco. His career began with Corinthians in Rio Grande do Sul, and the forward played for Monte Líbano (SP), South Plains College (USA), the University of Tulsa (USA) – where he was considered for the NBA Draft – and Universo/Ajax (GO), before playing for Limeira and joining Flamengo.
Check out the player's answers to questions emailed to us by Agência Fla readers, which were selected by the club's official website team. The player also answered questions from the official website team and spoke about the beginning of his career, his expectations for the season wearing the Flamengo jersey, his adaptation to Rio de Janeiro, and much more.
Guilherme Teichmann When I was little, in Santa Cruz do Sul, the city was all about basketball. I always followed it. And that Corinthians team, coached by Ary Vidal, was a great role model for me. From the ages of 11 to 15, I played in the youth teams and always watched the professional games. It was a huge influence on my career.
Flamengo Official Website Team - Who are your idols in sports?
Guilherme Teichmann It's been so long since anyone asked me that (thoughtfully). These days I don't have a role model or anything like that, but when I was a kid, I loved watching Shawn Kemp play. He was a strong player who dunked a lot, had great physical power, and, of course, Michael Jordan, who decided every game and was a complete player.
Flamengo Official Website Team - Tell us a little about your time at Vasco.
Guilherme Teichmann It was my professional debut. I stayed at Vasco for a year and a half, and it was a place where I learned a lot. I was coached by Helio Rubens, and the group included players like Rogério, Demétrius, Charles Bird, Vargas, Helinho... It was a great group, where I learned a lot and which gave me a great foundation for going to the United States.
Flamengo Official Website Team - What did you learn from USA Basketball while playing in college tournaments?
Guilherme Teichmann – I spent four years there and learned a lot. American basketball is much more physical and intense, so I learned a lot from that. Also, an important thing is the fundamentals work they do: how to use your hands, how to use your feet, and that also helped me a lot.
Paulo Júnior Moreira de Mattos, 26 years old, civil servant, Florianópolis (SC) - Hello Guilherme, I would like to know why you didn't join the NBA? What was missing? I also wanted to know why you chose to play for Flamengo?
Guilherme Teichmann I think my team needed to perform better in college basketball. We didn't qualify for the NCAA championship, so I didn't get much exposure, and some coaches didn't believe I had a chance either. It was a dream I ultimately didn't achieve, but I still hope to play abroad. Regarding coming to Flamengo, without a doubt, what made me choose the right option was the desire to compete for titles in the important tournaments the club is competing in. I value that a lot, especially for my growth as a player.
Ed Carlos Alves Holanda, 32 years old, lawyer, São Paulo (SP) – Good afternoon, I would like to know your opinion regarding the professionalism of Brazilian basketball, and what is your biggest dream regarding your professional life?
Guilherme Teichmann Basketball in Brazil, unfortunately, still falls short when it comes to professionalism. It's a passionate, dynamic sport that could be explored much further in the country. Regarding my biggest dream, I believe it would be to play in the Euroleague. I once hoped to go to the NBA, but that phase has passed, and now I'm thinking about playing for a strong club in Europe and competing in the Euroleague.
Gustavo Castelo Branco Sobrinho, 25 years old, banker, Salvador (BA) – Guilherme, what's it like for you to play for a club that has the most passionate fans in its football stadiums and have that passion reflected in the basketball courts?
Guilherme Teichmann I haven't had any contact with the huge red-and-black crowd yet, but I believe it will be really cool. In Limeira, we also had a passionate fan base that was always behind the team, but of course, Flamengo is different. I saw a lot of the fans' celebrations on television and I'm eager to see them in person. Besides that, there are other differences: the fans are everywhere, not just in Rio. This is unique, along with the HSBC Arena, which is a very comfortable arena with a large capacity.
Flamengo Official Website Team - How is your adaptation to Rio de Janeiro going?
Guilherme Teichmann Rio de Janeiro is a great city, and like any big city, it has its pros and cons. It's great to have so many leisure options. You can do so many things: go to the beach, see a play, see a movie... But at the same time, there's the traffic, the violence... Anyway, so far, I'm really enjoying it and having the opportunity to experience Rio in a way I never knew before.
Danilo Santos Villa Flor, 16 years old, student, Alagoinhas (BA) "Guilherme, what was it like for you to join a club that's won two South American titles and three national titles? Another question: do you think the salary delays will affect the club in the NBB?
Guilherme Teichmann When I arrived here, I didn't experience any difficulties because I found a great group, one that you can tell is a winner and adapts easily. In terms of off-court factors, the group is also experienced and knows how to deal with difficulties, which gives me greater peace of mind, even though it's a different situation for me. So far, it hasn't hindered me because I don't let it influence my game, but I hope it resolves itself soon.
Lucas Cruzeiro Codeceira, 14 years old, student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Teichmann, after being eliminated from the South American Cup, I would like to know if Flamengo is prepared and capable of winning the Liga das Américas for the first time, the tournament that qualifies for the Basketball World Cup?
Guilherme Teichmann Last year, Flamengo came very close. They even beat Brasília, but then lost to another team and were eliminated. I believe the two competitions are at a very similar level. Last season, the team came close but didn't quite make it, but this time I believe we have a good chance. In the South American League, we had some important absences, and the team was also lacking match fitness, but for the Liga das Américas, with a full squad and a string of matches, we'll be ready.
Julio José dos Santos Terroso, 50 years old, self-employed, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)) – How do you manage, being such a slender player, to have so much strength and momentum to make so many dunks? There are times when you look like an American center...
Guilherme Teichmann I believe this is a natural ability. Since I was little, I've always had a lot of drive and speed, and with intense physical training over the years, I've evolved. I've always had this quality, so to speak, and I like this style of play.
Gilsimar Cardoso, 42 years old, public servant, Brasília (DF) – Hi Teichmann, I'm sure you've already adapted to the group, which I consider strong offensively. My concern is the defensive system. I don't have as much knowledge as you do, but from the commentary and watching the championship games, I'm concerned about our paint. Unfortunately, we lost Baby. What will the team do without a pivot (player number 5), the one who grabs the most rebounds?
Guilherme Teichmann It's natural for the fans and even the team itself to miss Baby, who is a great, iconic player who stands out in Brazilian basketball. But I don't think we're without a player at this position. Quite the opposite. We have Coloneze, Alírio, and Wagner, who are very present. Of course, the loss of Baby weakens the group a bit, but we remain very strong. Winning the 2008 National Championship is proof that this factor won't be the difference between our championships or not, because Flamengo won with the same centers who are here today.
Matheus Marques Martins, 14 years old, student, Brasília (DF) - Teichmann, what do you think of Flamengo's basketball team and what are your goals for the club in the 2009/2010 season?
Guilherme Teichmann I want to win titles here. The group is very strong, and not only my goal but that of the entire group is to seek the national or Liga de las Américas title, and I'll dedicate myself fully to that.
Marcel Pereira, 32 years old, economist - Teichmann, which opponents with the strongest paint will Flamengo face in the NBB?
Guilherme Teichmann Not only in the paint, but in general, our main opponents will be Minas Gerais and Brasília, who have maintained their core and strengthened for this season. Furthermore, Joinville and the São Paulo teams, such as São José, Franca, and Paulistano, are good teams and could also pose a challenge.
Flamengo Official Website Team - How can the Rio 2016 Games contribute to the development of sport in Brazil and Rio?
Guilherme Teichmann – This could be very important for basketball in Rio de Janeiro. I hope new teams emerge, that the jersey teams return to play in the State Championship, and that we have a strong championship here in Rio. Because Flamengo can't just have a top team in a state with such a tradition in the sport. I believe we can get more sponsorship and more attention for basketball with the Olympic Games.
Fabio Rodrigues Thiago, 23 years old, Physical Education teacher, Niterói (RJ) - Guilherme Teichmann, what benefits would broadcasting the NBB on an open channel bring to Brazilian basketball and, consequently, to Flamengo?
Guilherme Teichmann The widespread adoption of the sport would be crucial. Broadcasts on open channels increase the number of people who watch basketball, giving the sport a larger audience, and this makes a huge difference. It brings basketball to everyone and can generate significant returns for the clubs.
André Amaral, 23 years old, civil servant, Vitória (ES) You're considered one of the greatest defenders in Brazilian basketball. How do you find the balance between good defense and the strong offense that Flamengo has always had?
Guilherme Teichmann Flamengo has a very strong attacking group. Knowing this, we strive to work hard on defense, marking strongly and using counterattacks as a weapon, since we have very fast and efficient players like Duda and Marcelinho. The offensive system is strong, so we work hard on defense.
Flamengo Official Website Team - The team has been training and playing at HSBC Arena. What technical benefits does this facility provide for the players, and how do you compare it to others in Brazil and abroad?
Guilherme Teichmann In Brazil, there's no arena as complete, and the biggest beneficiaries of all this are Flamengo fans, not to mention the club itself. I believe the Arena can still be a great partner and a major asset, even in the search for sponsors. It's a world-class arena and, as the name suggests, multipurpose. It can be used for a variety of events, even on basketball game days, like in the NBA, to attract fans.
Wellington Flores, 54 years old, engineer, Belo Horizonte (MG) – What do you think of Flamengo's Olympic sports structure, especially basketball? Is it a competitive team?
Guilherme Teichmann I see these sports taking place at the club, but I don't have any other details about their current situation. However, Flamengo is undoubtedly a well-rounded club with enormous potential in this area. The work must be done very seriously to fully exploit these sports, such as gymnastics, swimming, and volleyball.
Flamengo Official Website Team - You and Coloneze are both Twitter fans. How do you use this tool to connect with the media and sports fans?
Guilherme Teichmann It's a great way to express my opinion. Because, usually, our opinion is expressed by other people. In interviews, in the press... On Twitter, we can share our thoughts, our opinions, about a wide range of situations, with fans, friends, and even the press itself. There's even a funny story: when I joined Flamengo, I posted on Twitter that I was negotiating with the club, mostly to let my friends know, and I ended up forgetting that I had some followers in the press. So, the news ended up becoming an official announcement without me intending it. Despite this, I believe it's a very interesting tool for me to express myself and also to receive feedback on my work. It's great to have this relationship with the fans. It's a great space to talk and listen, to give opinions and respond, and to stay well connected with the fans.