Author: Monojit Mandal
Marquinhos is already considered a famous player in the history of the NBB (Novo Basquete Brasil). As the only three-time MVP and one of the tournament’s most successful champions, he has won practically everything in Brazilian basketball. However, one achievement is still a long way off for the talented winger: winning the NBB title while cheering on São Paulo, his hometown.
Marquinhos joined the tricolor basketball project in 2021 after a decade with Flamengo, where he won several awards and became an undisputed idol. As soon as he arrived, he played a key role in São Paulo’s victory in the 2021 São Paulo championship, which marked the team’s return to national basketball. Marquinhos was voted not only the best player, but also the team’s captain, leading them to victory.
That same season, he helped São Paulo win the Basketball Champions League of the Americas for the first time, demonstrating his skill with Bruno Caboclo. Marquinhos’ enthusiasm, skill and exceptional achievements have earned him followers who show unwavering support and affection at every game, proudly waving banners and adopting him as their hero.
Despite his brief spell with the Tricolores, Marquinhos has already established himself as one of the greatest idols in the history of São Paulo basketball. The number 11 continues to pursue success in the championships with this understanding.
The semifinal series against Flamengo in the NBB playoffs will be remembered for several reasons. Flamengo had only suffered a 3-0 defeat in the NBB playoffs once before, in the 2010/2011 season, when Sesi Franca eliminated them. São Paulo also struggled against Flamengo, failing to win any of their three previous encounters. In addition, the tricolor had never won three consecutive games against their red-black opponents, which made the 3-0 victory even more impressive.
São Paulo will face the winner of the current series between 123 Minas and Sesi Franca in the final, two teams well known to the São Paulo squad. These possible opponents have a connection with São Paulo. Minas was responsible for ending the team’s hopes in the Super 8 Cup final, winning the title. São Paulo, on the other hand, beat Minas in the BCLA semi-finals the following year and ended up winning the title. Sesi Franca, on the other hand, have been regular opponents, taking part in several decisive matches, including the two previous Paulista Championship finals, in which each club won once.