Mãozinha Pereira Bio
João Marcello Cardoso Pereira, commonly known as Mãozinha Pereira, is a Brazilian professional basketball player for Manisa Basket of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). He began his career with Pinheiros of the Novo Basquete Brasil and has played for several teams, including Crn Drim and Corinthians. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, he made his NBA debut with the Memphis Grizzlies in March 2024. Mãozinha is known for his impressive scoring and rebounding skills on the court.
Early Life and Background
Mãozinha Pereira was born on 28 August 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in a vibrant city known for its rich sports culture, he was exposed to basketball from an early age. His height of 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) provided him with a natural advantage on the court, which he began to hone during his formative years. Although specific details about his early education and family background are not widely documented, his passion for basketball was evident as he progressed through local leagues.
Path to Basketball
Mãozinha Pereira’s basketball journey began in earnest when he joined Pinheiros Basquete in 2019, where he played in the Novo Basquete Brasil. His early career was marked by a strong performance, which led him to sign with Crn Drim in the Macedonian First League. During his time there, he averaged 13.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a skilled player. This early success paved the way for further opportunities in his basketball career.
Mãozinha Pereira Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Mãozinha Pereira’s professional career began with Pinheiros Basquete, where he played four games before moving to Crn Drim. His performance in Macedonia was impressive, and he continued to develop his skills. In August 2021, he signed with Cearense, where he averaged 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, further establishing himself as a promising talent in Brazilian basketball.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Mãozinha joined Corinthians for the 2022–2023 season. He had a notable season, averaging 11.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, which caught the attention of scouts. On 30 October 2023, he joined the Mexico City Capitanes in the NBA G League, where he had a career-high game scoring 19 points along with 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks against the Wisconsin Herd. His performance earned him a spot in the G League dunk contest, where he finished third.
Notable Works and Milestones
Mãozinha Pereira made his NBA debut on 20 March 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the 20th Brazilian to play in the NBA. He scored two points in his debut game against the Golden State Warriors. Following this, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies, solidifying his position in the league. In September 2024, he re-signed with the Grizzlies but was waived shortly after, leading him to join the Memphis Hustle. On 25 July 2025, he signed with Manisa Basket, marking a new chapter in his career.
Mãozinha Pereira Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mãozinha Pereira has been recognized for his achievements on the court, although specific nominations have not been documented extensively. His performances in various leagues have positioned him as a rising star in basketball.
Mãozinha Pereira Awards Won
While Mãozinha Pereira has not yet received major awards, his contributions to his teams and individual performances have been noteworthy. His journey in professional basketball continues to evolve, and future accolades are anticipated as he progresses in his career.
Mãozinha Pereira Family
Details about Mãozinha Pereira’s family are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his basketball career, and information regarding his family background remains private.
Personal Life
Mãozinha Pereira keeps his personal life relatively private, with limited information available about his relationships or marital status. His dedication to basketball is evident, and he continues to strive for success in his professional career.