Lokomotiv Kuban's newcomer Ivan Samoylenko has begun pre-season training with the team and shared his first impressions of his arrival to Krasnodar.
- What are your first impressions on the team and the city?
- Very good, I like absolutely everything! I haven't seen the city yet, but the club is very impressive. For the first time in my life I have training sessions where there are so many specialists in all areas – coaches, medical staff, administrators. You can immediately feel that the club is organized at a high level.
- How long did it take you to accept the offer from Loko?
- After leaving Runa, I wanted to return to the VTB United League very much. After what I showed last season playing for Barnaul and Temp-SUMZ, I really felt that I would receive a good offer from the VTB. When Loko invited me, I was ready – and here I am. I understand that I am now on a Top-4 level team, that the fight for a place on the roster will be intense. But I am ready for this and will do my best to secure a place on the court and help the club win.
- Playing for Temp, you became a Superliga champion. What did you feel when you get your gold medals?
- Any championship is hard to win, but also it is very joyful. Right there, I was happy – especially since this was my first gold medal at a serious level. I hope to continue in the same way at Lokomotiv.
- Did you know someone from Loko before?
- Yes. Danil Sheyanov, like me, was born in 2003, so we crossed paths often – at the DYuBL tournament, Russian Championships. In the VTB United Youth League, I often played against Kirill Yelatontsev, Kirill Temirov.
- While playing for Runa, have you been at our Basket Hall?
- No, I was very young at the moment, Runa didn’t take me on away games. But I played several Superliga games at this arena, though I understand that the atmosphere at the VTB United League games at the Basket Hall is completely different. I only saw those games on TV, but even through the screen I felt the energy of the stands. I’m sure that it will be loud here when the season starts, I’m looking forward to it.
- You have a rather unusual number – 99. Can you tell us why?
- My father [Piotr Samoylenko, 2007 European Champion – note by the press office] played under number 9, and I try to surpass his achievements.
- What does your father think of your intention?
- I think, he's okay with that. After every of my games we have a phone call and exchange opinions. He tells me what he thinks I did well and what I did badly. I feel his support, it always helps a lot.
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