National team

Vladislav Yemchenko: “I don’t care how many points I’ve scored”

The Loko guard played like a true leader in today's game for the national team: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 blocked shot.
Today, the Russian national team won the final quarter with a score of 25:12. How did you manage to turn the game around?
We played the first half pretty well. Then we maybe got tired and stopped somehow – we started moving the ball slowly, making stupid decisions, playing carelessly in defense, and PARMA came ahead us. But in the third quarter we pulled ourselves together, made the game even, and things became interesting. At the end, we found a couple of open shots, made them in, defended well several times, and that’s how we won.
In clutch, you were making free throws flawlessly. Did you practice them a lot this summer?
I have always been able to throw them well, and will be able to. So I didn’t need to focus on that.
Was it your best game for the national team?
I wouldn't say so. For me, the best game is the current one. While playing, I don't care how many points I've scored. The main goal for me is to win.
Did you score 4 three-pointers a game before?
Yes, both for Loko and for the national team – it was at my second appearance for Russia, versus Netherlands in February 2022.
What did you feel receiving the best attacker of the tournament award?
Of course, it's nice. But much nicer is that we've won all four games at Friendship Cup. The team will always be more important to me than any individual awards.
How much was this training camp useful for you?
A lot. At pre-season, it's time to prepare your body and mind for the long marathon. I think I did this. I also wanted to play against a foreign team and a good club like PARMA, because training is one thing, and games are quite another. So, I am ready for the season. Now I will join the guys from Lokomotiv and continue to improve and develop.
Are you ready to switch to the club routine?
For sure, I can switch quickly. Our club's coaching staff has sent me sets, so that I will arrive fully informed about what ideas we play on the court, and it won't take a lot of time for me to fit into the team. So yes, I am ready, I'm looking forward to see all the guys tomorrow.
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