China put on a strong comeback effort in the fourth quarter but Brazil managed to hold on for a 73-70 win, second straight prep win over the Chinese squad. Leandro Barbosa led the way with 14 points while Marquinhos Vieira followed with 13 in addition to Rafa Luz and Cristiano Felicio’s ten points each.
Cristiano Felicio Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: F
Born: 07/07/92
Height: 6-9 / 2.06
Weight:240 lbs. / 108.9 kg.
Salary: $8,156,500
Born: 07/07/92
Height: 6-9 / 2.06
Weight:240 lbs. / 108.9 kg.
Salary: $8,156,500
Brazil was trailing but took over in the fourth quarter and logged a 90-84 win against China. Vitor Benite led the way with 23 points on 8-10 shooting (4-6 triples) followed by Leandro Barbosa’s 19 and Cristiano Felicio’s 16 points. The latter also grabbed eight boards while Bruno Caboclo logged 13 points and nine rebounds.
Brazil will travel to China having a veteran team which can’t be underestimated. Rafael Hettsheimeir was the last cut from the pre-selection roster and many familiar names still have gas on their tank. The 12 players selected by coach Alexander Petrovic are the following: Marcelinho Huertas (Iberostar Tenerife) Rafa Luz (MorBanc Andorra), Yago Mateus (Paulistano), Didi Louzada (New Orleans Pelicans), Alex Garcia, Vitor Benite ( San Pablo Burgos), Leandro Barbosa (Minas Tenis), Marquinhos (Flamengo), Bruno Caboclo (Memphis Grizzlies), Anderson Varejao (Flamengo), Cristiano Felicio (Chicago Bulls), Augusto Lima (San Pablo Burgos).
In an interview shortly after his act of kindness, Felicio admitted that he used to occasionally let some Twitter trolls and the outside noise bother him. And then he realized: He’s one of roughly 450 players in the NBA and they’re not.
“In the beginning, I was more frustrated and I was more into saying something back. And then a couple people who really care about me told me to leave it alone. They reminded me that (critics) don’t know my life. They don’t know what I go through on a daily basis. They don’t know everything I’ve done to get to this point,” Felicio said calmly, with no defensiveness. “They have the right to cheer for us or against us. I focus on those who are going through what we’re going through every day.”
“I do feel like I’m playing better,” Felicio said. “And I definitely know I belong in the NBA with the way I’m playing and the way I work. I know I can help a lot of teams in the NBA. I know I can do a lot on the court. I’m stepping up my offensive game and that gives me confidence to keep playing and get through everything.”
KC Johnson: It should be noted that the Bulls still will shop Robin Lopez and Jabari Parker in advance of the Feb. 7 trade deadline, even with news of Wendell Carter Jr. injury and likely surgery. If they find deals, Cristiano Felicio or small lineup always can be used.
