Por Eurohoops team / [email protected]
After Brazil’s defeat at the hands of the United States, it was all about excitement for the green and gold national team. And probably not because of the beating LeBron James and his teammates took, but because of Marcelinho Huertas’ last game representing his country.
The 41-year-old icon, who decided to join the national team this summer just a week before the start of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia, ended his 20-year career with the Seleção.
After participating in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2019 and 2023) and three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Paris 2024), she was also able to win two AmeriCups (2005 and 2009), in addition to two other silver medals (2011 and 2022) in the same competition.
After a crucial performance in Riga to upset hosts Latvia, the veteran guard also averaged 8.8 points and 5.0 assists per game at this year’s Olympics, helping Brazil reach the quarterfinals.
His career with the national team may be over, but he won’t stop playing basketball. In fact, Marcelinho Huertas recently signed a two-year contract extension with La Laguna Tenerife, and will continue to play in both the ACB and the Basketball Champions League.
Just one win away from lifting the trophy at the last Basketball Champions League Final Four in Belgrade, he was named MVP of the competition after averaging
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball
