BURGOS (Spain) - Vitor Benite has become ingrained in the surging success of Hereda San Pablo Burgos in recent years and the pursuit of more silverware continues this month.

The Brazilian has been a key part of a club that has won back-to-back Basketball Champions League titles and will shortly be defending their FIBA Intercontinental Cup crown on 11-13 February.

Benite already had great memories in the competition having triumphed with native side Flamengo in 2014, but lifted the coveted title for a second time 12 months ago whilst earning the MVP award in the process.

"THIS IS A GREAT COMPETITION AND EVERY YEAR IT GETS BIGGER AND BETTER."

The 31-year-old contributed 19 points including five three-pointers as Burgos prevailed against Argentinian side Quimsa with an 82-73 victory in Buenos Aires. And, Benite cannot wait to compete in the latest edition of the global event.

"This is a great competition and every year it gets bigger and better," he enthused. "I'm really excited as it will be my first time going to Egypt. There are teams from all over the world and it's fun to be part of this.

"Last year was an amazing moment. It's really special to have different styles of basketball coming together - a European team playing against a South American team is a huge deal.

"Being MVP was really nice, but it is because of work from the whole team, all of the players - it was amazing to be part of this history."

Burgos' ascension to the winner's circle has been a rapid one. They earned promotion to the top-flight Liga ACB in 2017 and within three years were celebrating a maiden European trophy.

Benite joined the project during the 2018-19 campaign having made the move to Europe a few years earlier following seven seasons playing in Brazil. Few could have predicted the levels of success that would follow as Benite found a new home in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.

"Nobody really expected this," he declared. "A young club that has made a lot of success in these early years.

"We know that it's not going to be like this forever, but it's great to be part of the club and have the connection with this city.

"The work that has been done by the club has helped create the success. It was important to build a base and the infrastructure to make good players come here and be able to perform to the best of their ability.

"When you have good players, good coaching staff that can connect then everything comes together. We also have an amazing fan base, being able to play in front of a full arena - I hope it continues in the years to come."

Benite's experience is vital for Burgos. Still amongst the team's leading scorers, Benite has averaged double figures in every season so far with the club. However, it's not just about setting an example on the court, but off the court, too.

"I always try to do what I do best: be a leader and help my teammates. It's a little bit of a cliche in sports, but it’s true - everyone has a role and a responsibility.

"I’ve been here for more years than most of the guys so I try to help the new players know the city and know the history of the club. In the end, it's doing my part on the court and I think I've been doing that for these last few years and I hope I can continue."

Burgos will lock horns with African side Zamalek in next Friday's Semi-Final with either Flamengo or Lakeland awaiting the winners in the title showdown.

One game at a time, of course. But the possibility of a showdown against a former team is too big to ignore for Benite.

"For sure, I cannot lie, it would be amazing. I played a few years in Flamengo and we did things nobody thought would be possible. I still know most of the guys that play and the coaching staff.

"Besides, it’s a club from my country. Not many people have a chance to play a team they have played for in a final in a competition like this. Especially if it is the winner of Europe against the winner of Americas.

"We know [Zamalek] are making some moves with experienced players. They are playing at home so we will have to get used to the environment. I believe it's going to be tough and we have got to be focused for the 40 minutes."

Burgos have not been able to live up to the high standards they have created as they head into the competition in the midst of an underwhelming campaign. An exit before the Round of 16 stage of the Basketball Champions League coincides with languishing in second bottom in the Spanish league standings.

Yet, they will arrive in Egypt as the defending champions of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and that in turn comes with a target on their backs. Despite the struggles, this competition presents a chance to add to the winning moments and perhaps spark a strong finish to the domestic season.

"This year has been tough," Benite concludes. "But this is part of sports. We were kind of the focus because of our success.

"We can now focus on the Spanish league and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup - it would be amazing to win it again. We have to go day by day, every game and we have a good chance of doing things right.

"Maintaining yourself in the top is always hard. People have that extra energy trying to beat you. We can use this respect we had from other competitions to build our confidence.

"If you don't bring your A-game, then others will."

A stark warning that Burgos cannot take anything for granted if they are to add to their growing trophy cabinet.

FIBA