Βy Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
He’s only 24 years old, but in our eyes he seems like a veteran! His long term in Malaga (2007-13), the first years in the junior team and the next 4 as a pro in the men’s division, has made the Brazilian Augusto Lima known to the basketball public and especially to the fans of the ACB.
The Andalucían club had invested in the big man with the rich athletic qualities, but something didn’t work out. His relationship with Malaga came to an end and in the summer he signed with Murcia. He found trust, regular playing time, an important role in the team, a family atmosphere and he “took off”!
He’s having a great season. As is the whole team. His main goal at this point in time is to take his team, together with his teammates, to the playoffs for the first time in their history!
With 10.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 56% in two-point field goals and a mark of 16 in the rating system, the 2m.08 tall Brazilian power forward is putting his talents on display on the court this year.
Eurohoops spoke with him. The first question could not but concern his career in Malaga and what went wrong…
“Whatever happened is in the past. I had a hard time in Malaga. We kept changing coaches all the time. We didn’t know what was going to dawn on us. I was constantly tormented by the thought of why I couldn’t help my team and I felt bad. I did my own training, I was at the stadium early, I worked as hard as I could. The circle is now closed and I’m very happy with everything I’m experiencing with Murcia this year!”
What changed for the “explosion” to come with Lima becoming consistently productive and a player-‘catalyst’ in his team’s ascendant course in the league?
“They are giving me a lot of playing time. I feel comfortable. When I was young in Malaga, I didn’t play a lot. I’m getting opportunities all the time! They know what I went through with my last team. From the beginning I was informed that I will have playing time and that I will be supported. They helped me psychologically as well. I’m enjoying the game. The most important thing in basketball is the way you feel. It’s all in the mind.”
He has some very strong elements in his game. An aptitude for making blocks and steals, good defense, speed, strong finishing close to the rim. In which areas does he need to improve more?
“I have to shoot better from the three-point line! I have to work on that. As I do on getting the ball in the court, creating and finishing plays. My two main elements are shooting and dribbling.”
What is the secret in Murcia’s magical course in the ACB?
“Everybody on the team is doing a great job. Never before in my career so far did I have a group with such chemistry and such a good atmosphere. We have a big opportunity to advance to the playoffs. For the first time in our history! The game against Andorra perhaps will… open that door for us!”
He’s having a break out season and it’s very likely he will attract big clubs. He has a contract for another year but also a ‘Buy Out’ option. What does Augusto think about this?
“You never know. Every player dreams of playing at the highest level in the Euroleague or the NBA. I have to take it one step at a time. Right now I’m focused on helping Murcia. I might play in the NBA someday! I’ll consider the prospects that will come in the summer and I’ll make the best decision. What is important right now is to improve every day.”
Is it your dream to compete in the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 with your country’s national team?
“I’m excited, they will take place at my home! Yes, my dream is to compete in the Olympic Games. It’s not easy. If they call me up I will go 100% and I’ll give everything that I have. We have great bigmen, but I’m entitled to dream of a moment like that, a chance like that.”
What does he anticipate in regards to the progress of the ACB?
“Especially this season it’s very hard to make a prediction. Malaga has done a great job. I think they will go to the final, Plaza shows the work he’s done with the team and he can lead them to the finals this year.”