Rolando Ferreira Jr was the first Brazilian to play in the NBA. At seven feet tall, he’s excelled in basketball throughout his career, but getting there has been a journey of shame and bullying for his stature.
Curitibano, As a teenager, he found sport as a refuge. Rolando started visiting the club military circlein the center of the capital, and saw the open courtyard on site as the ideal place.
Coach Francisco Alexandre Faigle, known as Chicão, looked after him for two and a half years between 1978 and 1980. It was he who discovered Rolando’s talent.
I felt accepted there, it brings me great memories. I was a boy who lived in hiding and was ashamed of his size. I have Chicão as my second father, I look up to him a lot.
— Rolando, to the PRC
At the age of 16, Rolando joined the Esporte Clube Sírio team in São Paulo and was called up to the youth team. Three years later he was already part of the Brazilian main team.
The athlete won the gold medal by selection at the 1987 Indianapolis Pan American Games against the United States. The following year he was recruited by the University of Houston and in 1988 he defended the institution’s team.
It was impossible to become a Pan American Champion. We didn’t even think we would beat them at home he commented.
With success on the pitch The center was designed by the Portland Trail Blazers, a oneseason team.
Rolando was the first Brazilian to play in the NBA.
Rolando returned to Brazil in 1990 and played for Monte Líbano, Corinthians de Santa Cruz do Sul, Clube Guarulhos, Banco Bandeirantes and ended his career with Clube Pinheiros.
In total, it was 22 years of career and 14 years of selection. A native of Paraná, he competed in the Seoul and Barcelona Olympics, as well as the Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Havana and Mar Del Plata, and three World Games.
Currently, Rolando is physical education coordinator at Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná (UTP) and technical coordinator of the Coritiba Monsters team.
- position: Pivot point
- team: Portland Trailblazer (1988/1989)
1 of 1 Rolando Ferreira, the first Brazilian basketball player in the NBA — Photo: Agência Estado
Rolando Ferreira, the first Brazilian basketball player in the NBA — Photo: Agência Estado