Like fine wine: De Souza to stay as long as Brazil needs her
When Erika de Souza was asked to recall a moment from the 2010 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Czech Republic when Brazil faced South Korea, Brazil women’s national team head coach Jose Neto had to chime in.
“2010?” he asked with a wide grin on his face. “That’s a long time (ago), you know.”
De Souza has been one of the faces of Brazilian women’s basketball for decades. Bracing for another topnotch international competition, she says, is a feeling that doesn’t get old.
“I am always prepared for the games. I always play with my heart, play strong, I have the best (support) beside me. I always (do) my best job because I want to make the World Championship and I love to be with the national team, to play with my younger teammates,” said the 6-foot-5 center who will turn 40 in March.
“Everybody calls me Auntie, and for me, I’m so happy and so excited to stay with the national team.”
And it’s not that De Souza is part of the team only for the veteran leadership role; she can still compete at a high level.
During the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Puerto Rico, the former Atlanta Dream center averaged 7.1 PPG and a tournament second-best 8.9 RPG, while also guiding the next generation of Brazil bigs.
With the likes of Clarissa Dos Santos and Damiris Dantas also out for Brazil in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, much will be expected once again from De Souza — something Neto already is anticipating from her trusted deputy on the floor.
“I talked to Erika about it. Until I am here with the national team, I want Erika on my side to stay with me and stay with the team. Not only because she is a great player and she can play with great teams now, but because what Erika can (give) best to the team and Brazilian basketball, what she can do now is to mentor, to (give) confidence with the teammates, I believe Erika can stay with me until I am staying here,” Neto spoke about the three-time WNBA all-star.
De Souza’s twofold role will include having to take care of the paint against Korea, Australia, and host squad Serbia in Group A, with only three teams advancing to the World Cup hosted by the Opals starting from September 22, and being a mentor to younger players like Kamilla Silva Cardoso, 20 and Stephanie Soares, 21.
“My teammates are so excited. Everybody is on the same page. Everybody is here to make a chase for the World Championship,” she added.
“I think everybody is so prepared for this. Me, I am so excited because I have the best teammates in the world. They help me, I help them. I help the coach. He always brings us up.”
Qualifying for the World Cup, Neto furthers, is a daunting task for the world no. 17-ranked country, but always “special” to have a shot at making history.
“We have a great group, a great team. I believe we can achieve this goal with the team. I don’t believe it’s just one or two players who can change the situation. But of course, two important players, I want them always with us,” Neto, who coaches Angolan club Petro de Luanda, said.
“But now, it’s a fact that we can put the focus on the qualifying, that is most important. Until we achieve that goal, Damiris and Clarissa can come back with us for the World Cup. It’s one more reason to play hard and achieve this goal.”
As for De Souza, Neto hopes the 39-year-old “Auntie” stays for as long as he is the head coach — a role he accepted back in 2014 — for the long view their basketball program has.
It would be the best case for Brazil women’s basketball and for the next generation of frontcourt superstars donning the Brazilian colors.
“I believe in this process that we are building, I believe in my team, (their) teammates, the players. Erika is like wine. Ten years more, 20, no problem. Better,” Neto closed.
