Most people know Brazil for it's great soccer team and soccer players. However, here at BYU, Brazil means a 6-foot-11basketball player.

For years, BYU fans have wanted a center that can play great defense and shoot the ball. Enter Rafael Araujo. This mammoth of a man comes all the way from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

After two years at Arizona Western College, Araujo transferred to BYU and made a major impact last year when he averaged 12 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He looks to improve on that and have an even better year this year.

"I've been working a lot this summer on my shot and inside moves," Araujo said. "It has really helped my confidence in hitting the 15 footer."

Araujo is optimistic about the team this year.

"We're going to have a good team," Araujo said. "Our goal is to win the Mountain West Conference and go to at least the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament."

Araujo also has a dream to go to the NBA. Next week Araujo will be going to Las Vegas to participate in a big man's camp. There will be 50 other college players from around the country at the camp, looking to improve their skill and make a name for themselves.

After the trip to Vegas, Araujo and the rest of the team will be traveling to Australia to play other teams from that area.

"It will be a good opportunity for us," Araujo said. "It will really help us come together as a team."

Araujo is excited about next season and said he expects big things from Mark Bigelow and fellow Brazillian Luiz Lemes.

"Those guys have worked hard and really want to play," Araujo said. "In fact the whole team has worked really hard."

After one season at BYU, Araujo said he has had an enjoyable time.

"I'm enjoying it here," Araujo said. "All the fans really support me and it's easy to make a lot of buddies."

Araujo has instant fans from those who have ties to Brazil.

"Guys always come up to me and speak Portuguese," Araujo said. "I like it because it makes them feel comfortable talking to me."

After losing last year in the first round to University of Connecticut, Araujo plans to step it up.

"I just want to do my best," Araujo said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 31 Jul 2003