The Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) announced this Thursday (23) that Léo Figueiró is the new coach of the Brazilian women's national basketball team. The change comes after the dismissal of American coach Pokey Chatman, who had been in the position for about a year and a half. The transition is strategic for the continuity of the work developed in the country's youth categories.
With notable stints in men's basketball, Figueiró accumulated experience as coach of Botafogo, where he won the South American League in 2019, and Vasco, a club he managed in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. Recently, the professional served as technical coordinator for the Brazilian national team's women's youth categories.
The new coach already has a history with the women's team, having won the silver medal at the FIBA AmeriCupW last year, serving as Chatman's assistant. In addition, Figueiró has international experience, having been part of the men's coaching staff alongside Aleksandar Petrovic at the 2021 Olympic Qualifying tournament.
In a statement about the new position, the 51-year-old coach highlighted the honor and responsibility of the role. Figueiró stated that he knows the reality of the athletes and the challenges of the national scene, motivated by the opportunity to continue the project started in the youth categories.
Figueiró's first official commitment at the helm of the national team will be the South American Championship, which begins on August 3rd in Zárate, Argentina. The competition is fundamental to the calendar, as it will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 AmeriCupW, which will be held in El Salvador.
Brazil is in Group B of the South American tournament, facing the national teams of Venezuela and Chile. The regulations state that the group leader secures a direct spot in the semifinal, while the second and third-placed teams play a playoff to secure qualification.
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