Free Agent Nene Hilario enjoying soccer during the lockout – NBA Update
While most NBA players are working hard in the gym to get in shape, Denver Nuggets centre Nene is enjoying some soccer during the NBA lockout.
The lockout has hit NBA players hard since it came into effect on July 1st and with the NBA and the players unable to agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), it is likely the lockout would stretch for sometime
more. In the midst of all the uncertainty surrounding the league, most NBA players are looking to get into shape by playing amateur basketball games. Others, including Nene’s teammate Ty Lawson, are busy exploring overseas options in case the NBA lockout extends
to the season.
However Nene, who is a native of Brazil and has been with the Denver Nuggets since he came to the NBA, is enjoying himself with some soccer,
"I'm like a normal person," Nene said. "Everyone is the same. I'm not special."
"I feel more close to Brazil (when I play)," said Nene, a native of São Carlos, Brazil, who joined the Nuggets in 2002. "I miss it so much, and my friends live there. But I can come here and play soccer and enjoy it. It's a sport
I love. I grew up playing soccer. And I just get to have some fun."
In Nene’s native Brazil, soccer is the biggest sport. Kids grow up playing soccer in the street and the sport is a national phenomena as well as a passion. The 6-foot-11 Nene is no different than other Brazilian and has a great
love for the game.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and Brazil is the most successful country to play the beautiful game. Brazil has won more World Cups than any other country and boasts one of the most talented national teams around
with players like Kaka, Robinho and Maicon.
Brazil has also produced some of the biggest names in the history of soccer. Pele, a Brazilian legend who won three World Cups, is widely regarded as the best player to have ever set foot on a football field. Other Brazilian soccer
greats include former World Cup Winner’s Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
Nene’s friend Felipe Eichenberger, who was on the field with the NBA star, shed some light on the importance and popularity of football in Brazil.
"In Brazil, you're born and raised playing, so this is just fun — and at the same time, you get some cardio."
Nene is poised to soon hit the gym in order to try and impress some NBA franchises. The player will be a free agent when the NBA lockout ends and many franchises are expected to try and acquire his services.
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