Flamengo beats São Paulo in the NBB and puts itself back in the fight for leadership

Even after winning yet another continental title, Flamengo announced the departure of three important athletes from its basketball squad: Franco Balbi, Lucas Siewert and Luan Rodrigues. The information was officially released by the club on social media , as a token of gratitude for the services provided by the players with the Sacred Mantle.

The move occurred after the elimination in the semifinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) against Franca , who ended up winning the competition. The performance below expectations raised alarm bells within the basketball department, prompting a series of changes for the next season.

FRANCO BALBI SAYS GOODBYE TO FLABASQUETE

One of the names that stands out the most on this list of departures is Franco Balbi . The Argentine point guard, in his second stint at the club, played a fundamental role as a leader and strategist on the court . He was a key player in winning the Champions League of the Americas on two occasions (2020/21 and 2024/25).

Balbi also has important titles such as two NBBs (2018/19 and 2020/21), two Super 8 Cups (2018 and 2021) and three State Cups (2018, 2019 and 2020), consolidating his victorious trajectory with Flamengo . His departure marks the end of a successful cycle and makes room for new names in the squad.

LUAN RODRIGUES AND LUCAS SIEWERT LEAVE THE TEAM

In addition to Balbi, the club also chose not to renew the contracts of Luan Rodrigues and Lucas Siewert. Despite having less time at the club, both athletes contributed at important moments in the season and are recognized for their dedication and tactical discipline.

Another name leaving the team is Argentine pivot Tayavek Gallizzi. With outstanding performances in the Champions League and Super 8, Gallizzi was a complementary piece in the red-black paint, ensuring physical strength and solidity in defense, even without being an absolute starter.

Anderson Varejão , former pivot and retired since 2021, declared his commitment to Flamengo. After spending almost his entire career abroad, the player returned to Brazil already in the spotlight in 2017. The athlete's first choice was Mais Querido, and even with little time at the club, he won the Campeonato Carioca, NBB and Copa Super 8.

VAREJÃO DECLARES HIMSELF TO FLAMENGO

When talking about his return to Flamengo, Varejão treated his time at Mais Querido as a personal achievement, precisely because it is his favorite team. He also emphasizes that it is not always that professional athletes get this opportunity, especially when playing for so long outside the country.

Anderson Varejão talks about returning to Flamengo: "Playing for Flamengo was very different for me".

He continued: "It's a massive shirt, the biggest fan base in Brazil. It's my favorite team. It was a personal achievement to defend my team. Not everyone can say that ," Varejão told "ge".

WINNING TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Even though he had played for major franchises such as the Cleveland Cavaliers (USA) and the Golden State Warriors, Varejão was certain that the best option was to fulfill his dream of playing for Flamengo . To top it all off, he won titles and became an idol of the nation.

"Several players didn't make it, but I did it at the end of my career. I had offers from Europe, from other NBA teams, and had close conversations, but I thought it was better to play in Brazil. I was champion of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. It was a successful stint ," Varejão added.

The restructuring of the Flamengo basketball team's roster continues at a fast pace after the end of the 2024/25 season. Despite winning the Champions League of the Americas and the Super 8 Cup , the team was eliminated in the NBB semifinals by Sesi Franca, who later lifted the trophy. And now, the São Paulo rival can further strengthen its roster with an important name from Mengão: Shaq Johnson.

According to information released by the Repórter NBB page , negotiations between the American point guard and Franca are at an advanced stage. With that, the player should continue playing in Brazil, but wearing the jersey of a direct competitor of Orgulho da Nação.

SHAQ JOHNSON'S CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE

Shaq Johnson, who plays as a shooting guard, played an important role in the Rio de Janeiro team's campaign last season. In the NBB, he ended his participation with averages of 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2 assists per game. His consistency on the court and his contribution to continental and national titles raised his profile.

With the likely move to Sesi Franca, Shaq could be the fourth loss to the red-black squad in the transition process . So far, only Jordan Williams' departure has been made official by the board.

FLABASQUETE REFORMULATION INCLUDES EXITS

Among the names with exits planned are also the Argentine point guard Franco Balbi , multi-champion with the club, and the pivot Tayavek Gallizzi. Balbi says goodbye at the end of his second stint with the team , while Gallizzi ends a short cycle.

In an attempt to maintain competitiveness, the board has already begun to make up for the losses. The point guard Franco Baralle , a standout player for Minas, is the main target and should be confirmed in the next few days. The Argentine press is already considering his transfer to Rubro-Negro as practically certain.