The center, whose transfer to Lokomotiv Kuban became one of the most discussed events of August in the VTB United League, gave an interview to the Krasnodar TV channel.
- What do you feel about your new jersey?
- Well, my first thought was that red is not usually my color, but now when I put it on I think I look good in it and I’m excited to wear it in the game.
- It was a big surprise that you changed teams from Zenit to Loko. How did you decide?
- You know, every year is a tough decision when it comes to terms where you’re gonna play, you know, what’s your next adventure. And this just happens to be my next adventure. I’m really excited to see how Krasnodar is, enjoy the city and play for Loko fans.
- Do you like the city?
- I have to experience it a little bit more, but every time since I’ve been here playing Lokomotiv in Eurocup and VTB league I always loved Krasnodar and the fans.
- Loka is an absolutely new team this season. How do you think will the season turn out?
- I think we have a great chance to go as far in the league as every year, hopefully a little bit farther this year. I think we're a very tough team. You know, you guys are naturally a culturally tough team to play against, so I know there's going to be a lot of toughness over here, so that's going to help us going down the line in the playoffs. I'm just really excited to get the season started.
- When you played for UNICS, UNICS had a rivalry with Loko. Then, in the last playoffs, the games between Zenit and Loko were also very hot. How do you think fans will meet you?
- Well, I was kind of worried about that at first, but ever since I’ve played in the VTB league, the top four teams always have rivalries, so that is not the news for me. And I feel and believe, I feel and believe that the fans love me here and they have love for me. Anything that happens on the court is part of the game. Last year was definitely a tough crowd and a tough team. Some things happened and I enjoyed it because it's part of the game. I love that fight. I love the fans going at me. I just love that type of energy and no matter what arena, the game wouldn't be fun if it wasn't fans here. So I appreciate all the fans and all the gyms and I always appreciated Lokomotiv fans and have love for them.
- When the game goes on, sometimes you're very emotional. When the game ends, are you still the same?
- No, I believe I'm two different people on and off the court. I know nothing is personal on the basketball court. At least I try every day to never take what happens on the court off the court. I'm two different guys. I smile a lot more. I might smile a lot in the game too. I smile a lot when I'm off the court. When I'm on the court, you might get a few looks that's not the nicest. You might think I'm some type of mean guy or mad or angry, but as soon as I step off the court and relax and let the game go, I usually go back to my normal self. But on the court, I'm going to be a fighter and emotional, and I'm always going to play with that type of heart.
- About your vacation, what have you been doing in the summer?
- Usually my vacation is really not necessarily a vacation. I usually just spend time with my family and spend a lot of time in the gym with the younger kids. I sponsor my high school that's out there, and I have a little brother that's grown up to be a basketball player too, so I spend a lot of time with him and the younger kids that are in the gym with me. I usually never give basketball a break. Maybe three, four, five days, but I'm usually always in the gym and working and at least watching basketball.
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