WITH FLAMENGO PLAYERS, BRAZIL FACES LUKA DONČIĆ'S SLOVENIA

Olivinha retired from the basketball court after Flamengo's season in the competition ended. Idol of the Most Beloved and an example for all those who practice the sport, the star received several tributes, including from Franco Balbi.

Through his social networks, Balbi decided to pay tribute to Olivinha. In an emotional text, the Mais Querido shipowner told the behind-the-scenes of some moments he shared with his idol and showed a lot of gratitude to his companion.

“Olivia, the time has come to dedicate a few words to you. First of all, huge CONGRATULATIONS on your career, many years, a lot of work and a lot of dedication to leave your name marked in the history of Brazilian Basketball! You will always be recognized as the greatest player in the history of Flamengo basketball, countless achievements will have your name engraved, but the greatest trophy of all is the affection of everyone who was part of your journey. It will be difficult to arrive at the next pre-season and not see you in the locker room arriving with a smile, or sometimes even 'sleeping' and ordering coffee (laughs). But, always with the disposition and energy necessary to infect and motivate us. Our task, now, will be to continue with his legacy, to be FLAMENGO on the court and represent the Nation as it deserves.

New challenges will be coming and I hope they are carried out with great success, my partner! Now yes. THANK YOU for everything since my arrival here at Flamengo. THANK YOU for letting me be myself within the team and within the club. THANK YOU for teaching me what it's like to play for Flamengo and how to represent a nation. THANK YOU for your patience and for understanding me when I charged you on the court. THANK YOU for opening the doors of your home to us and letting us see your family nearby. THANK YOU for your ongoing partnership. For all this and much more, THANK YOU SO MUCH. We will continue our friendship off the court”, published Balbi.

Olivinha became a multi-time champion with the Manto Sagrado. That's because the "god of the race" won 20 titles with Mengo. Among the main achievements are: two Intercontinental Cups (2014 and 2022), one Champions League of the Americas (2020/21), one League of the Americas (2014) and six NBBs (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015 /16, 2018/19 and 2020/21).

Didi Louzada, Flamengo winger, will play in the next season of the G League, the NBA's development league. The young man was selected by the Valley Suns, Phoenix Suns' team in the competition, in the expansion draft. In total, the team called 14 names to make up the cast. The information is from the “Jumper Brasil” portal.

This way, the player must return to the competition. In 2023, he played for the Cleveland Charge, where he averaged 9.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in eight games. It was precisely the short minutes that made him decide to return to Flamengo.

For the Rio team, he assumed the status of one of the most important players for coach Gustavo Conti. Louzada participated in the team that finished runners-up in the NBB (Novo Basquete Brasil) and the BCLA Champions League of the Americas.

Now, Didi Louzada has a new opportunity to play in North American basketball and everything depends solely on her. This is because the player has the condition to accept or not to go to the Suns. It is worth noting that the contract with Fla remains in force. At the moment, the winger is with the Brazilian team, where he will compete in the Pre-Olympics in Riga, in July.

Coach Aleksandar Petrovic's team will play friendlies on the 24th, against Poland, on the 26th. , against Slovenia and, finally, on the 28th, against Croatia. The competition starts on July 2nd and Brazil will have Cameroon and Montenegro in the group stage. It is worth remembering that only the champion guarantees a place at the Paris Games.

Last Saturday, the 4th, the exciting edition of the Pan American Games came to an end, a sporting event that mobilizes athletes and fans from all over America. Brazil had reason to celebrate, as it won the bronze medal in men's basketball, a notable achievement for the national sport. However, the news brings a shadow of concern for Flamengo fans, as two important members of the team, Didi Louzada and Scott Machado, were unable to compete for the podium, which could complicate FlaBasquete's journey in Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB).

Didi Louzada, one of the team's highlights, suffered a slight sprain in her right ankle during the clash against Puerto Rico, in the last round of the group stage. This injury prevented him from participating in both the semi-final and the bronze game. However, there is a certain relief, as the athlete has been undergoing intensive treatments since the time of the injury, which raises hopes for his speedy recovery.

Scott Machado's situation, on the other hand, It is a cause for great concern for Flamengo and its fans. According to information from journalist Enéas Lima, the shipowner suffered a probable fracture in his foot. New tests will be carried out in Rio de Janeiro to confirm the severity of the injury. If the fracture is confirmed, the red and black board must take measures to make up for the player's absence, either through signings or using other athletes from the squad.

News that may bring some relief in the midst of These concerns are due to the fact that, according to Enéas, the athletes from the men's basketball team who participated in the Pan American Games were covered by insurance. This means that the insurance will cover Scott Machado's salary during the period in which he is out due to injury, which could help minimize the financial impacts of this absence.

Despite the casualties of Didi Louzada and Scott Machado, Flamengo will be able to count on the return of other important players, such as Gui Deodato, Gabriel Jaú, Maique and coach Gustavo De Conti, who will certainly play a fundamental role in the continuation of the season. The situation becomes even more urgent when we look at Flamengo's NBB calendar. After a period of break due to the participation of some of its players in the Pan-American Championship, Flamengo will return to the court this Tuesday, the 7th, to face Botafogo at Maracanãzinho. Coach Gustavo De Conti will have to deal with the absence of Scott Machado and, most likely, Didi Louzada. These absences represent an additional challenge, as both players play crucial roles in the team and are frequently used in matches.

After the clash against Botafogo, Flamengo will face Vasco next Thursday, on the 9th, with command from the Cruzmaltino field. The team's return to the NBB after participating in the Pan-American Championships marks the beginning of a series of games for the national competition. It is a crucial moment for FlaBasquete, as any fluctuation in the team's performance could affect its overall performance in the tournament.

In summary, Flamengo won bronze in men's basketball at the Pan American Games, but the injury Didi Louzada and Scott Machado's possible fracture raise concerns about the team's performance in the NBB. Didi Louzada's recovery is promising, while Flamengo awaits the results of Scott Machado's tests to determine the measures to be taken. The insurance company that supported the national team's players at the Pan-American Games helps alleviate the financial impacts of Scott Machado's injury. Flamengo will have to deal with important absences in the next NBB games, which makes these matches a crucial challenge for the team.