Pinheiros Basquete secures Georginho signing for 2026/27
Pinheiros Basquete confirmed on Wednesday (July 8) the three‑year deal with former Franca guard Georginho de Paula, starting in the 2026/27 season. The news came during an interview on Diário TV 1ª edição, a Globo affiliate in Mogi das Cruzes.
Who is Georginho and why does he matter?
Georginho, 30, was MVP of both the regular season and the finals of the NBB 2025/26, posting averages of 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He joined Franca in 2021, winning three São Paulo state titles (2022, 2024, 2025), two Super 8 Cups (2020, 2023) and five straight NBB championships (2021/22‑2025/26). He also captured the 2023 Americas Champions League and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
How does his international experience boost the roster?
After a short stint with Germany’s Ratiopharm Ulm, Georginho returned to Brazil for the 2024/25 season and has become a staple of the Brazilian national team under Aleksandar Petrovic, playing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His European exposure adds pick‑and‑roll savvy, perimeter defense and pick‑and‑pop reads that could lift Pinheiros’ defensive intensity.
What changes in Pinheiros Basquete’s squad?
Beyond Georginho, head coach Fernando Penna has already announced guard Brite, wings Daniel Von Haydin and Danilo Fuzaro, and forward‑center Rafael Paulichi. Contracts were also extended for guard Felipe Ruivo, forward‑center Paulo Lourenço and center Dikembe. The roster now features five new faces and three renewals, giving depth for the NBB’s grueling schedule.
Expected impact for the upcoming campaign?
With a guard who logged 9.3 assists in a decisive 2025/26 final game, Pinheiros can improve ball movement in clutch moments. A wing‑guard who shoots 38% from three also stretches defenses, pulling them out of the paint. If the pieces click, the team could contend for a playoff spot within the first few rounds.
When will fans see Georginho on the court?
Georginho’s debut in a Pinheiros jersey is set for October 12, 2026, against his former club Franca at the Ginásio Poliesportivo. The matchup will be a fire‑test for the new wing‑guard, who faces his old teammates right at the start of the season.