SAM FREEMAN SIGNS FOR FLAMENGO FOR 2026/27 SEASON

Flamengo have confirmed the signing of American centre Sam Freeman for the 2026/27 season. The 25-year-old, standing 2.08m tall, arrives at the Mais Querido following his spell with Quimsa in Argentina, becoming the final reinforcement for the squad under coach Demétrius Ferracciú.

With experience across the United States, Australia, Turkey and Argentina, Freeman joins to strengthen Flamengo's interior defence in both domestic and continental competition.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Freeman began his basketball journey at Northwest High School before progressing to American college basketball. Between 2019 and 2024, he played for three institutions: Minnesota and Pacific, both from NCAA Division I, and California State San Bernardino from Division II, where he completed his university education.

In 2025, Freeman launched his international professional career with Mandurah Magic in Australia, where he excelled with averages of 17.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in the NBL1 West. His strong performances opened the door to European basketball, featuring for Harem Spor in Turkey's second tier also in 2025.

In January 2026, Freeman joined Quimsa in Santiago del Estero to compete in the Liga Nacional de Básquet, Argentina's top-flight league. Across 35 matches in the regular season and playoffs for the Argentine side, he averaged 6.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in approximately 16 minutes per game. The American also recorded a 57.9% field goal percentage, standing out for his physical presence and work on the boards.

Now, having accumulated experience across multiple continents, Freeman embarks on a new chapter of his career wearing the Sacred Mantle. The centre praised Flamengo's stature and expressed confidence in the team's potential for the season.

"My expectations upon arriving at Flamengo are very high. It is a historic club and I believe we can win many matches and go very far. I think we have the conditions to do something truly special this season. I've seen the team, met the players and the way we play. We have a very solid squad and I believe we can achieve great things together", he said.

Beyond title aspirations, the American highlighted his enthusiasm for the new challenge and spoke of the qualities he aims to bring to the Mais Querido, particularly defensive intensity and presence in the paint.

"I'm feeling very good about this new challenge. I'm happy to be part of a great club, with an excellent team and outstanding people. I believe I can contribute with total commitment on court and plenty of energy. I like to get involved in every battle and do whatever is necessary to help the team. I want to bring that energy every day, help both defensively and offensively, and be a guaranteed presence in the paint", he added.

Sam Freeman arrives as Flamengo's final reinforcement for 2026/27, completing Demétrius Ferracciú's roster. The centre now joins a squad that won the NBB Opening Tournament title last weekend and prepares for forthcoming official commitments.

Flamengo now turns its attention to the Carioca Championship final this Thursday (15), before launching into the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) and South American League campaigns, both in October.