VASCO IS DEFEATED AND BAURU ADVANCES TO THE NBB SEMIFINALS, WHERE THEY FACE FLAMENGO

This past Tuesday (23), the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) released the list of 12 called up to represent Brazil at the Paris Olympics. Thus, with Didi Louzada, who played for Flamengo last season, and the trio of world champions with Flabasquete, Aleksandar Petrovic repeats the names that won the place in the pre-Olympics.

In addition to Didi Louzada, the team has Vítor Benite , Cristiano Felício and Yago Mateus. The first two defended Mais Querido and won two NBB (2014 and 2015), Liga das Américas (2014) and Mundial (2014). Furthermore, Yago also won NBB, BCLA and Intercontinental in Rubro-Negro recently.

Didi Louzada – Free Agent*

Yago Mateus – Estrela Vermelha-SRB

Vitor Benite – Free Agent

Cristiano Felício – Sendai 89ers-JPN

Marcelo Huertas – Tenerife-ESP

Raul Neto – Free Agent

George de Paula – SESI Franca

Léo Meindl – Tokyo-JPN

Guilherme Santos – Golden State Warriors -USA

Bruno Caboclo – Partizan Belgrade-SRB

João Marcelo “Mãozinha” – Free Agent

Lucas Dias – SESI Franca

It is worth remembering that Yago was doubt for the Olympics as he is recovering from injury. coach Petrovic even took point guards Edinho and Alexey for the preparation period thinking about the possibility of not having the ex-Flamengo player or Raul Neto, who was also injured, available. However, the pair recovered and are now together with the rest of the delegation in Paris.

The Brazilian Basketball Team debuts at the Olympics next Saturday ( 27), at 12:15 pm, against France. The team will also face Germany and Japan in the group stage and will try to win the gold medal.

The Argentine winger Martín Cuello will not continue at Flamengo. The player announced that his intention is to return to the Argentine National League or compete in the Uruguayan League, where he already played for Club Malvin in 2021.

Cuello, who is known by his nickname "Loku", arrived at Flamengo had high expectations, but his time at the Brazilian club was relatively short. With the red and black shirt, Cuello had good moments, but was unable to establish himself as one of the team's main players. The decision not to continue at Flamengo seems to be more related to his personal plans and the search for new opportunities in his career.

FLAMENGO IS RESCUED

Martín Cuello arrived at Flamengo as a promising reinforcement . The player, 1.92m tall, is known for his versatility on the court and ability to play both wing and point guard positions. His experience in South American leagues, including his time at Club Malvin in Uruguay, led to the expectation that he could add value to the Flamengo squad.

During his stay at Flamengo, Cuello participated in several competitions, including the NBB (New Basketball Brazil). However, he failed to stand out consistently and ended up not having the impact expected by the board and fans. Despite this, Cuello demonstrated professionalism and dedication, characteristics that are valued in the sporting world.

Last Thursday night (23), Orgulho da Nação took the court again to face Bauru, in game 3 of the NBB semifinals. Thus, Mais Querido swept the São Paulo team with a score of 110 x 72. Now, Rubro-Negro awaits Minas or Franca in the big decision.

Minas and Franca will play game four. Franca opened the match at home, winning 87 to 63. In game two, in Minas, the home team drew, winning 80 to 67. Still at home, Minas lost match three by 82 to 72. Thus, the series returns to the interior of São Paulo, for game four and, if necessary, game five.

Game four of the best-of-five semifinal series between Minas and Franca takes place this coming Saturday (25), at the Pedrocão gym, in Franca. If the home team wins, the series ends 3-1. If Minas wins, game five will take place on Monday (27). In other words, Flamengo will be able to have up to four days of rest in relation to the other finalist.

Mais Querido already knows that they will play the final series with advantage of court command. Rubro-Negro will play three of the five possible games in Rio de Janeiro. Playing at home, Flamengo lost to Minas, but beat Franca in the NBB regular season.

Against the Minas Gerais team, the defeat took place on October 13, 2023, by 87 to 70. Against the team from São Paulo, the victory was by the score of 93 to 67, on February 2nd of this year. On January 11th, Mais Querido lost again to Minas by 86 to 78, but on March 21st, they beat Franca by 88 to 73.