Brazilian MVP Valter Da Silva on his team and the Spurs

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 1:59 pm

One on One- David Leister vs. Valter "Valtinho" Da Silva 
 
<img src="http://e.i.uol.com.br/basquete/040630valtinho_maozao.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
 
First, the correct pronunciation is "Val-cheen'-yo". Now say it smoothly all together....there ya go! 
 
This afternoon my great friend and source for free courtside tickets to Brazilian professional basketball games, reigning Brazilian League MVP, Valtinho, stopped by my house for lunch and to bestow some wisdom upon me. 
 
Tomorrow sees the continuation of the hotly disputed South American Club Championship Finals, which pits Valtinho's team, and my Brazilian home city, Uberlandia (pop. 650,000), against another Brazilian team from the city of Goiania (pop. 1,150,000). Last year Uberlandia lost in the Finals to Argentinian club Athenas (from Cordoba) in the decisive Game 5 at home in Uberlandia by one stinking point. Having already eliminated their arch-nemesis from Argentina in the semi-finals, Valtinho and his teammates are well on their way to securing the city's first South American Club Title...not to mention a repeat Brazilian national championship. Winning this will qualify Uberlandia for the World Championships where, hopefully, they'll have the chance to face Tim Duncan and the Spurs. The question is, will the Spurs hold up their end of the bargain!? 
 
Yes, its all good in my Brazilian basketball land, which has taken some of the heartache away from the Spurs' Game 1 debacle...and Tim Duncan's ankle. Okay, I'm lying. I'm so concerned about the Spurs that I bugged my poor buddy, whose mind is absolutely focused on tomorrow's pivotal Game 3, then Thursday's more crucial Game 4. Win them both, and both are at home, and Uberlandia has won the South American championship. Lose one, they play a Game 5 in Goiania on Sunday. Lose 'em both...well, you get the picture. 
 
Still, as graceful and patient as ever, Valtinho was more than happy to calm my nerves about the Spurs' seemingly monumentous task on Wednesday against Denver. 
 
The great irony of all of this is that Valtinho was recently scouted by the Denver Nuggets. Nice. The good news is that I am also Valtinho's agent. Verrrry nice! 
 
The following is a loose transcript of my chat with Valtinho. 
 
First, a little about the man: 
 
Complete Name: Valter Apolinário da Silva 
Position: Point/Combo Guard 
Birthdate: January 31, 1978 
Hometown: Rio Claro, Sao Paulo (Brazil) 
Height: 6' 3" 
Club: Uberlândia (Brazil) 
Career averages: 17 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals 
Career Highlights: Too many to name them all, but among some of the biggies- 2004, 2001 league MVP; 2004 playoffs MVP; 2003 Pan Am Games MVP; 2004, 2001, 2000 national champion; has held his own against the likes of Allen Iverson. Etc. 
 
Some photos: 
 
<img src="http://www.cbb.com.br/basquete_virtual/images/cnb_m_2003/b/final22b.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Valtinho taking it to the rim in the playoffs 
 
<img src="http://www.cbb.com.br/basquete_virtual/images/cnb_m_2003/b/final11b.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Valtinho driving on former San Antonio Spur Alex Garcia 
 
<img src="http://www.cbb.com.br/basquete_virtual/images/cnb_m_2003/b/image25b.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Valtinho doing what he does best, cutting to the core of the defense 
 
<img src="http://www.cbb.com.br/basquete_virtual/images/Pan2003/b/12b.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Valtinho taking it strong to the hole against the United States during a World Championships qualifier 
 
The talk (translated from Portuguese into English: 
 
David: Tomorrow's a huge game. Then Thursday's an even bigger one. Win them both at home and you bring home your and your city's first South American Club Championship. As a player with a fantastic resume, what does this particular honor mean to you? 
 
Valtinho: As a professional athlete, I strive to win championships wherever and whenever I can get them. It would be a huge honor, especially for the city of Uberlandia, even my home region in Sao Paulo and my terrific family and friends. Especially for my great American friend from San Antonio who is gripping about his Spurs! 
 
David: You're damn right, but we'll get to them a bit later...you are in the rare position of being the favorites to win both the South American and Brazilian championships. Elaborate on your feelings, your ambitions, your nerves, expectations.... 
 
Valtinho: It would be a tremendous honor to win both, and I am certain that we will. Our team is a little exhausted now because as qualifiers for the South American Club playoffs, we've had to play those games integrated with the Brazilian championship games. Therefore we've lost a few games we should've easily won, mainly due to pure fatigue. Sure, they were all on the road and we are undefeated at home, but some of the losses have proved costly. We have nine more games and will most likely get the #2 seed in the Brazilian playoffs. Like in America, that will get you home court advantage for the first two rounds. Then we'll have to win the conference finals on the road, which we will undoubtdely do. 
 
David: So let's fast forward and get to the conference finals...imagine that you are there, preparing for Game 1 on the road, you've already won the South American championship, you've breezed through the first two rounds...but you have lead in your legs. Can you mentally overcome the physical fatigue to repeat as national champions, even without homecourt advantage: 
 
Valtinho: Once we get that far, and we will, we'll be so close that I don't think we'll really feel the fatigue. I think the danger is in earlier rounds in overlooking some possibly easier opponents. But once we get to the promised land, we'll bring it home. We have a great team, we have two players, including myself, who play on the Brazilian National Team, we have two great American players, one who played for the Lakers some years ago, and we have been together for a few years now. Like San Antonio, we have strong chemistry and know where each other will be on the floor at any given moment during any situation. We have confidence in each other. So having said all that, I'm sure we'll muster up the energy to repeat as national champions after winning the South American championships. 
 
David: Tell me about the style of play in Brazil come playoff time as well as in the South American championsips. 
 
Valter: Like the NBA playoffs, things get more physical, especially down low and one on one. In Uberlandia, we tend to up our tempo on team defense and tend to make big plays. As you saw in last year's playoffs, there've been a few scuffles. I think that playoffs in any league on any level get heated. 
 
David: So I can expect a couple of championships? 
 
Valtinho: You can expect at least two...maybe three, depending on how San Antonio does. Anyway, on Thursday night we'll celebrate at my house then you are going out with us to party at the Acropolis, where we'll have our team party. It'll be a packed house like last year! 
 
David: You know I'll be there, bro! Okay, now to the NBA...San Antonio lost Game 1 at home to "underdog" Denver. However, Denver has been scorching hot lately and the Spurs banged up. Do the Spurs have enough to at least win Game 2? 
 
Valtinho: Definitely. Anybody who knows NBA basketball knows that San Antonio is all about the playoffs. That's too bad about Tim Duncan's injury, but he should improve each day. Also, Manu Ginobili alone is almost enough to beat Denver. I know, I've had to guard him a few times, myself! The Spurs will definitely win the next one and win the series. Do you think they can beat Phoenix, though? Steve Nash and Allen Iverson are the hardest players I've ever attempted to guard. Nash is playing great! Think the Spurs can take the Suns? 
 
David: Hell yes! Dude, I'm not in the least bit worried about Phoenix because, for one, we know we can beat them. Two, I don't know if Phoenix will make it that far. Three, Tim Duncan, Nesterovic and Devin Brown should be healthy. Four, I just want the Spurs to get by the Nuggets! 
 
Valtinho: Yeah, as long as Tim Duncan is as close to 100% as possible, mainly mentally, then San Antonio should be able to beat about anyone in a playoff series. 
 
David: One more question. When the home and favored team loses Game 1 as San Antonio did against Denver, does it plant a seed of doubt in their minds? Or is this all just a figment of the press' and fans' imagination? 
 
Valtinho: Those guys are professionals. I can promise you that every player on the Spurs roster is certain that they will win on Wednesday. Professionals don't look back too often. Lots of times the press and fans think that we avoid the issues, but that's not the case. You lose one, you adjust, you go forward. But this business about having doubts and being afraid is invalid. On the other hand, I'm sure Denver knows they will win on Wednesday. I guess the bottom line is that the better team will win, and I just cannot see that being Denver. I think that San Antonio will beat the Nuggets in seven games, will get healthier and more in rhythm and will go far. 
 
David: Valtinho, thanks again, brother! 
 
Valtinho: I'll talk to you tomorrow before the game and we'll celebrate on Thursday night! <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div> 
Edited by: <A HREF=http://p204.ezboard.com/bsanantoniospurs62937.showUserPublicProfile?gid=grandedavid>GrandeDavid</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/usa.gif" BORDER=0> at: 4/26/05 1:47 pm

by **Lepramaniac** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 3:42 pm

Dave, you are so lucky to be friends with Valtinho!. Do you guys play basketball?. I'd give anything to share the court with that dude!!!. 
 
I watched him at the South American championship last year, in the finals against Atenas de Cordoba. Atenas won, but Valtinho played a hell of a series. His quickness, ability and court vision is amazing. Even the Argentinean announcers (you know how big the rivalry between Brazilians and Argentineans is) were pumped up about this guy. They say they couldn't believe how he could still be playing in Brazil. 
 
I wonder too, why hasn't he been recruited by an European team yet?. I know at least three Argentinean PG's who are playing in Spain's league and are not as good as him. Maybe he should get in touch with Tiago Splitter, who is currently playing at Tau Ceramica, to hook him up. Tau is Luis Scola's team as well, and they have a thing for South American talent. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://kobefallingdown.web1000.com/santa.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Newell's Old Boys: 2004 Argentinean football champion!</div> 
"Morning Glory had to be the most important rock record since Nevermind by Nirvana. It just had to be, or there would have been no point of doing it" - Noel Gallagher 
"Noel and I can't agree on nothing. Can't even agree to disagree" - Liam Gallagher

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 3:44 pm

Lempramaniac, how about when that Argentinian player got in the face of Coach Helio Rubens!? That was crazy! It was a great series and I was there when Uberlandia lost in the last minute. Tough. 
 
Valtinho is such, such, SUCH a great guy. Extremely humble and kind. He's adored by the fans and he loves them. Great guy. I'll translate your post here for him when he comes by later this evening. 
 
If they do win the championship this year, which I think they will, he and I and some other players will be drinking more beer than a Munich Oktoberfest! <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div>

by **Lepramaniac** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:18 pm

Yeah, I remember. That was a shame on Campana's part. He later apologized though. 
However, and correct me if I wrong, Helio Rubens is a troublemaker. He's always moaning and complaining to the refeeres, harassing the opposing players... some people say he even hates Argentineans. 
Maybe I'm wrong and he is just passionate. I recognize that he is a good coach, he almost knocked Argentina off the worlds quarterfinals at Indy in 2002. 
 
None of the above apply to Valtinho though. He is just pure class. Another guy from Uberlandia impressed me as well: Estebam: very strong and built. He did a couple of dunks that left the board shakin'! 
 
If you can translate my post to Valtinho, that'd be great!. 
<img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/clap2.gif ALT=":clap2"> <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://kobefallingdown.web1000.com/santa.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Newell's Old Boys: 2004 Argentinean football champion!</div> 
"Morning Glory had to be the most important rock record since Nevermind by Nirvana. It just had to be, or there would have been no point of doing it" - Noel Gallagher 
"Noel and I can't agree on nothing. Can't even agree to disagree" - Liam Gallagher

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:22 pm

Estevam is a patient of my wife (dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon). Estevem also attends my church in Brazil from time to time. Another good, humble guy. Honestly, what I like about Brazil are the people. What I hate is the medieval tax system. 
 
Helio Rubens is very passionate and not a bad guy at all. Again, I know him from my team connections and he's also a patient of my wife. I cannot imagine him disliking Argentinians as a gross generalization. Campana did apologize, you are right. Isn't he a vereador (local politician)? <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div>

by **BiggDrew** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:30 pm

Valtinho knows his basketball. <hr /> 
<div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.sahoops.net/misc_imgs/MalikChestBump.jpg" style="border:0;"/><img src="http://www.sahoops.net/Wallpapers/MALIKth.jpg" style="border:0;"/><img src="http://www.sahoops.net/misc_imgs/MalikSlamsMutombo.jpg" style="border:0;"/></div>

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:00 pm

Grande, as a fan of foreign players and international basketball....all I have to say is...Thanks. That was a great and interesting read. Best of luck to your friend. By the way, did you ever get that tape of him to Danny Ferry and the rest of the Spurs scouting dept?

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:18 pm

Sick, thanks for the reply and yes I did get that tape to Danny. In fact, it was Danny who pulled some strings and got us in with Treviso in Italy, also Bologna, where Manu played. Valtinho and I are tentatively scheduled to travel to Italy this June after the Brazilian Finals. 
 
Soon I'm going to make some copies in mass of Valtinho's highlights and I'll gladly send you one. Btw, I wish we could uplink some of his videos here. However, I'd need to get it on the internet first...damn. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div>

ryno · by **ryno** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:32 pm

Very interesting David. Valtinho sounds like a great guy and a very confident skilled player. I would love to see some videos of him on here if someone could hook that up! <div style="text-align:center">Silver and Black Baby</div> 
<div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img44.exs.cx/img44/9201/banner98.jpg"/></div>

ace3g · by **ace3g** on Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:23 pm

is he interested in playing in the NBA if so, have him join the spurs lol just kidding 
 
but is he interested in coming to the NBA or does he like it more in that type of league <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://mars.walagata.com/w/ace3g/ginosig_copy4.jpg"/></div> 
 
<div style="text-align:center"><blockquote>Quote:<hr>Offense Wins Games...Defense Wins Championships<hr></blockquote></div>

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Wed Apr 27, 2005 6:25 am

Ace, Valter could definitely play in the NBA, and I've heard NBA people say that. However, we're looking toward a top club in Italy, where he could make some decent money while also get lots of playing time, then he could come back to Brazil to wrap up his career in some years. That's the plan. The NBA might be a bit of a stretch, but I'll find out soon enough. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div>

ace3g · by **ace3g** on Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:25 am

thanks for the info Grande <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://mars.walagata.com/w/ace3g/ginosig_copy4.jpg"/></div> 
 
<div style="text-align:center"><blockquote>Quote:<hr>Offense Wins Games...Defense Wins Championships<hr></blockquote></div>

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:47 am

Yeah, it's really tough for older international players to crack into the NBA. Although, players can make a nice amount of money playing in Europe and clubs like Kinder and 
Benetton Treviso are some of Europes best.

Mongo · by **Mongo** on Thu Apr 28, 2005 6:12 am

Fantastic interview David!!! 
 
I really enjoyed getting the sense of the Spurs from an obviously compentent outsider like Valtinho. 
 
Geeeeee, the championship(s) is complex for them! But I guess to win two championship - it takes some extra effort. 
 
Now, the big question. Next time I get talked into letting Drew beat up on me on the old backyard court, think you could swing it so that Valtinho is there to help me out? He he, truly, I can't play basketball, but I know I'd look good with such a professional coaching me on! At least teach me a defense against Drew's patented gut-block! <div style="text-align:center"> 
GO SPURS GO  
GO SPURS GO  
GO SPURS GO  
 
"It's officially the Playoffs when Mongo comes out of hiding." (The Blonde One)</div>

GrandeDavid · by **GrandeDavid** on Thu Apr 28, 2005 4:04 pm

Mongo! My man, what's up!? Have you been hanging out with Jurgen? 
 
Anyway, someday hopefully soon I'll swing through San Antonio with Valtinho. You guys would like him and vice versa, although he speaks no English whatsoever. He can understand some Spanish, though. However, he's easy to communicate with and I'd be there to translate. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6171/GD.jpg"/></div>

Brazilian MVP Valter Da Silva on his team and the Spurs