MIAMI (United States) – Franco Balbi is back after a very difficult 2021 in which an injury prevented him from enjoying Flamengo's titles in the Brazilian league and in the Basketball Champions League Americas.

The Argentine serves as a substitute point guard for the defending BCLA champions, and thanks to his intelligence and experience, he continues to be a great contributor (8.5 points, 42% from the 3-point line, and 3.0 assists) for Flamengo.

Balbi, at 32 years old, assures that he is ready to savor victories again with Flamengo and has the highest expectations for what is to come, including the challenging FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2022 in Cairo.

We caught up with Balbi, and talked about his experience and his expectations:

You are in your fourth consecutive year with Flamengo. What does it mean to you to play for this organization?

FB: For me it is a privilege to be part of an organization as big as Flamengo, it is challenging every day because it requires a lot of commitment and giving 100% every day. I feel very comfortable here.

Last year a knee injury left you out of the BCL Americas competition. How did you deal with the recovery process?

FB: I was caught at a decisive moment. Missing the final stretch, the most beautiful part of all competitions, made me a little upset, but I knew what I had to face. From the first moment my head was prepared for eight months of recovery.

Flamengo looked solid at home in the first stage of this BCLA season. Now it's your turn to travel to Buenos Aires. How do you get ready for those games against UdeC and Boca?

FB: We have been preparing well, the team is finding its style. We know that they are going to be tough games and that we must be focused to be able to win those games.

Personally, what does it mean to play again in Argentina this time?

FB: It's a very nice thing. Surely my family will be in the stadium on game days and that makes me very happy.

After the second stage, Flamengo will prepare for the Intercontinental Cup. Your first game will be against the Lakeland Magic. What are the expectations in that tournament?

FB: I think we all want to win the Intercontinental Cup. We know that we are going to have to work hard to be able to reach the final, but we feel prepared and capable of achieving it and also lifting the trophy.

How do you evaluate your team, currently? You had a great first round in the BCLA, are second in the NBB in Brazil, but just lost in the Super 8.

FB: We come from a difficult defeat that left us out of a final, but that won't tarnish the work that we have been carrying out. We have to look forward and keep fighting and improving day by day.

FIBA