Jece Leite on Corinthians setback, youngsters and Wlamir Marques decider | OneFootball

Corinthians will have to bounce back at home to stay alive in the Campeonato Paulista de Basquete. On the night of last Thursday (3), Timão lost to Pinheiros 87-79 at Ginásio Hugo Ramos, in Mogi das Cruzes, and fell behind in the quarterfinals of the state competition.

As the matchup is played in a best-of-three series, the team led by Jece Leite can no longer afford to lose. Another Pinheiros win will end the series and eliminate Corinthians. If Alvinegro wins the second game, qualification will be decided in a third matchup.

Photo: Beto Miller/Agência Corinthians

After the first meeting, Jece analyzed the factors that weighed on the result, spoke about the use of youth academy players, provided updates on Betinho and Gabriel Novaes, and commented on delays in image rights payments in the basketball department.

Jece points to poor efficiency in defeat

Facing Pinheiros’ physical style, Corinthians sought to raise its defensive intensity and put pressure on the opponent from the opening minutes. Jece explained that the rival’s characteristics were already well known to the coaching staff and highlighted that the team responded well in one area that had caused concern before the game: offensive rebounding.

The problem, according to the coach, was in converting the chances created by Timão.

“We knew that against Pinheiros it would be a very physical game, which is very much a characteristic of their team, so we also had to try to match that tone. One part of the game that could have been a concern was offensive rebounding, but we had a great night on the offensive boards. However, our efficiency was very low, so the game didn’t turn out the way we had hoped.”

Young players gain space in Corinthians’ rotation

The presence of youth players was also addressed by the coach. Since the season opener against Osasco, Jece had already indicated that he intended to increase the youngsters’ participation in the first team.

Throughout the Paulista, names such as Cardoso became part of the rotation. Against Pinheiros, Miguel and Luggi also got minutes. For Jece, using the youngsters is part of the very makeup of the squad put together for the season.

“Absolutely. They’ve been having good seasons, the ones who are with us. And this season, because of the way we built the team, they are fully part of what we are counting on. They are an integral part of the squad and they are here to play. Some games are a better fit for one or another. Kaique himself, who is still an LDB player, just like Cardoso. And Miguel, who got his chance in the last game and the one before this too, played a great game defensively and offensively as well. So yes, the idea is that these boys will take part even more and will continue to be involved.”

Betinho still recovering

Betinho traveled with the Corinthians delegation to Mogi das Cruzes, but he was not in uniform and was unavailable to take the court. Asked about the player’s recovery, Jece explained that the athlete suffered a foot injury and underwent a procedure this week.

The coach also indicated that the player’s presence in the second game against Pinheiros is unlikely. Gabriel Novaes is also among the absences from the squad.

“Actually, Bruno, the physiotherapist, will be able to explain it better, because he had a foot injury and that kept him out of the games. This week he underwent a small procedure with the team doctor, Dr. Welton, and he is still in the rehabilitation phase. I believe he still won’t play on Sunday. We have a very packed schedule before the NBB starts. Besides the Paulista, we also have the South American competition, and we already have some absences, as is also the case with Gabriel Novaes.”

Regarding the possibility of recovering both players for the remainder of the quarterfinals, Jece said the process will be monitored daily. The initial expectation is that they will not return on Sunday.

“It’s gradual, it’s not expected for this next game. We’ll see how they respond over these next few days, but I believe it will be difficult for the next game. We’ll think about a third game and from there on.”

Jece comments on delays in image rights payments

In addition to sporting matters, the coach was asked about the financial situation faced by the department. Players and members of the basketball staff have been dealing with delays in image rights payments.

Jece acknowledged the existence of the problem and explained that the staff tries to keep the matter separate from training sessions and games. The coach also ruled out using the situation as an excuse for the negative result against Pinheiros.

“What we always try to do is make sure that when we are here, we are fully inside this box here. And when we leave here, everyone has their own life, with their family, with whoever they need to support. So sometimes we talk a lot so that we can keep our concentration as much as possible. I wouldn’t like to say that this is a reason why we lost the game, not at all, but this is happening and each person reacts in their own way. In there, I believe we are maintaining it. This subject wasn’t brought up at any moment during the game or during training. We talk about it either before or after, but during training, we train in a very focused way and I believe we managed to keep that concentration for the game.”

Wlamir Marques becomes a key asset for the comeback

Despite starting the series at a disadvantage, Corinthians will have the chance to play the two remaining games at Ginásio Wlamir Marques. That is because Timão finished the first phase in third place, with five wins and two losses, while Pinheiros ended in sixth place, with two wins in seven games.

The first home challenge will be this Sunday (6), at 11 a.m. For Jece, the presence of the fans at Parque São Jorge becomes even more important given the need for a win.

“For sure, especially because it’s a decisive game. We’re at home, with the fans by our side. Today, here, there were some supporters who came. Wherever we go, there will be some. But at Wlamir Marques, the presence is always greater and it’s our home. So, it’s about defending our home.”

If they win on Sunday, Corinthians will level the series and force a third game. The potential decider is scheduled for Tuesday (8), at 8 p.m. (Brasília time), once again at Ginásio Wlamir Marques.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.