Brazil’s Leo Meindl is in the ‘best moment in my career’, has the World Cup as top goal

MIAMI (USA) – The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers is significant for Leonardo Meindl. Brazil will play their two games against Uruguay and Colombia in Franca, the player’s hometown and where he began his professional career.

After playing two seasons with Fuenlabrada, from the first division of Spain, the forward is enjoying this homecoming, even if it is only for a few days.

“It’s very special. More than representing my country, I am representing my family, my friends who live here. For me it is a great honor and an extra motivation for the games,” he said. Meindl couldn’t participate in the first qualifiers window.“I feel very good about playing for the national team. For me it is a great pleasure to be able to enjoy basketball at home, the truth is that there is no better feeling. I’m focused on helping the team and coming out with two wins here.”

Meindl was unable to play at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, so getting to the 2023 Philippines, Japan and Indonesia stage has become one of his main goals.

“It is one of the things that is missing in my career with the national team and for sure I want to be there in 2023. I feel good, very prepared, and in the best moment of my career physically, and mentally. As I said before, it is always an honor to be with the national team and playing a World Cup with my country is part of my goals”.

Meindl, who is averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds with Fuenlabrada, feels motivated in the new cycle in Brazil with the arrival of coach Gustavo De Conti, whom he knows very well from his years in the Brazilian league.

“I have the best possible expectations. I think Gustavo is very qualified for this, he has also been doing a very good job at Flamengo (BCL Americas and Intercontinental Cup champion). He has a very interesting game philosophy and I think it has been very good for basketball in Brazil.”

Ahead of his games against Uruguay and Colombia, the 2.01m forward considers it essential to stick to the plan that they have been working on during training in recent days.

“I think the key for us is to make our own game, put our own rhythm and do the things that we are training for. The truth is that we are training at a very high level and if we take that to the games we will do well, I am sure,” he concluded.

FIBA