As the basketball off-season unfolds, Yanick Moreira finds himself cherishing precious moments with his family in Angola. The towering 2.11m (6ft 11in) center has been relishing this time at home, especially celebrating his daughter’s birthday.
Despite the joy of family bonding, Moreira remains acutely aware of the looming challenge that awaits him and his team, Petro de Luanda, at the 2024 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Moreira has been a pivotal figure in Petro de Luanda’s recent triumphs, including their historic win at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in June.
This victory not only marked a significant milestone for the Angolan club but also secured their place in the prestigious FIBA Intercontinental Cup, set to take place from September 12-15 in Singapore.
“I have been spending time with my family. My daughter just had her birthday. I have been focusing on spending time with my family. Yeah, a new (basketball) season is coming, so I have to prepare for that,” said Moreira, emphasizing the importance of balancing family time with the rigorous demands of professional basketball.
Having signed on for another season with Petro de Luanda, Moreira is eager to lead his team to new heights. His illustrious career, which includes winning the 2019 Basketball Champions League (BCL) with Virtus Bologna and the NBA G League title, has prepared him well for the challenges ahead.
Yet, the FIBA Intercontinental Cup holds special significance for the 32-year-old, as he seeks to achieve what he couldn’t with Virtus Bologna – competing on this global stage.
“These are the kind of tournaments you want to play in. After I won the Champions League with Virtus Bologna, I never had the opportunity to play when they went.
So getting the opportunity now with Petro, after winning the BAL title, means a lot,” Moreira reflected. “We will be playing against other great teams from around the world. Maybe there will be a chance to compete against guys I played with in the past.”
The road to success at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup will be arduous, with Petro de Luanda drawn in Group B alongside Spanish club Unicaja and Lebanon’s Al Riyadi. The competition promises to be fierce, and Moreira understands that preparation will be key to their success.
“I think it’s about how well we prepare ourselves. We have to play against other great teams. We cannot stay and depend only on our practices.
I believe that is what Petro will do, they will prepare us because we cannot be home for 30 days and just practice, so that we can represent the country in a good way,” Moreira emphasized.
Petro de Luanda’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable, with Moreira playing a central role in their success. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to make a deep run in the tournament.
Moreira’s desire to foster team chemistry and ensure rigorous preparation speaks volumes about his commitment to the team’s success.
“I have another year with Petro. We will start practice soon, and the sooner we start the better. We have to get the chemistry right. So, when these games come, we are prepared,” Moreira noted, underscoring the importance of early and effective preparation.
Beyond the immediate challenge of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, Moreira’s aspirations extend to the national level. With Angola set to host the FIBA Afro Basket next year, he sees another opportunity to contribute to his country’s basketball legacy.
“It’s definitely something I will cherish for a long time, it’s one of the trophies that was missing. Many people when they talk about great players, it’s those that have played for their countries and not the guys that have championships in different parts of the world,” Moreira reflected.
“Also there were questions if I can help Petro win in Africa. Now that I have done it, I ask myself ‘What else?’ What else is missing? Maybe it will happen with the national team next year, who knows? Who knows?”
Yanick Moreira’s journey with Petro de Luanda is far from over. His dedication to the sport, his team, and his country is unwavering. As the countdown to the FIBA Intercontinental Cup begins, Moreira’s rallying cry for thorough preparation and team unity will undoubtedly resonate with his teammates and fans alike.
With their sights set on conquering new frontiers, Petro de Luanda is ready to take on the world, led by their indomitable center, Yanick Moreira.
Source : FIBA
