The Espirito Santo economy and the game of hoops

[by Gustavo CARDOSO] - Espirito Santo, or the “Holy Spirit” in Portuguese, has more than a spiritual meaning in Brazil: it is the name of one of the 26 Brazilian states. Located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, Espirito Santo has seen its economy grow steadily in the last few years, due primarily to the investments in oil. Since 2006, the state has seen in Vitória, the state’s capital, and neighboring Vila Velha, two basketball projects that are embarking in this growth movement.

Vitória, the state’s capital, which has the third largest IDH (Human Development Index) in the nation, has seen its traditional rowing club Saldanha da Gama invest in basketball. After finishing the 06/07 National League (BNL) in 8th place, Saldanha is currently placed 7th, and with a few rounds to go in the regular season, playoff contention is not far away.

Sponsored by giant pulp and paper producer Aracruz Celulose, Saldanha is following the economical growth of the region. This year the team brought Brian Robinson, a 201cm forward, with NCAA2 experience and two years of Euro hoops in Portugal. Robinson is leading the team in rebounds (7.1 rpg), and alongside Lucas Costa has helped the team strengthen its frontcourt game.

On the back Ricardo Gianechinni has been the leader, and averages 14 points per game. Leandro Silva, and Daniel da Silva, both members of the 06/07 squad, are also playing major roles in the development of the team, and have kept the adaptation level of newcomers easy.

Across the third bridge, over the Atlantic Ocean, is Vila Velha, home of CETAF (Centro de Treinamento Encestando para o Futuro / Shooting for the Future Training Center), a project designed and managed by former NT player Luiz Felipe Azevedo. Luiz is the coach and also team manager, organizing pretty much everything that is on the team’s schedule.

CETAF finished 11th in last year’s BNL, and is fighting for the 8th playoff spot this year as the regular season approaches the end. The team hosts Brasília and Salvador, then visits Joinville and Lajeado before the dreamed post season. Beating Salvador and Lajeado, which is in 8th place right now, is part of the homework, but the real challenge rests on defeating either Brasilia or Joinville, stronger teams with better records. That is the only way to get to the playoffs.

Jefferson Sobral, who averages 19.4 points per game, leads the squad on the court, and has in Felipinho, Luiz Felipe’s son, the second highest scorer in the team (15.3 ppg). Both will be key factors in these last four games of the season. Manuil, the 213cm center, and youngsters João Gabriel and Ederson will also share some of the responsibilities.

The Vila Velha club brought important partners to its project, and is currently sponsored by UVV (University of Vila Velha), and Garoto (Brazil’s largest chocolate manufacturer, which was acquired by Nestlé in 2002), two important institutions from the city. While the team’s budget is not one of the top in Brazilian basketball, the fact that partners of such scale believe in the project, and help the game out, is already a very good sign.

It would be very important for Espirito Santo’s basketball that both teams reach the playoffs this year. Sponsors would get their share of TV time, and fans would see more competitive games right at home. However, CETAF and Saldanha need more.

The strengthening of the regional leagues will dictate the continuous development of these two clubs. It is very difficult to keep sponsors around when you are playing only one strong tournament every year. A partnership with clubs from Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro could improve the playing time for the “capixabas” (people from Espirito Santo), and increase the showing time for sponsors when the BNL is not on.

While that does not happen, the “capixabas” hope for some post season action in May.