Lokomotiv Kuban newcomer Kassius Robertson gave a long interview to the Championat portal and talked about his first impressions of Russia and our club, how he plays for the Canadian national team side by side with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and much more.
In Russian, you may read this interview on Championat.com, and here we do present you an English version.
- You were born and raised in Canada, and played for the Canadian national team. But official channels list your nationality as Jamaican. Is it because of your origins or maybe you have dual citizenship?
- Yeah, I have a dual. My father was born and raised in Jamaica, so I got my passport when I was in Spain. Because they recognize the Jamaican passport as not a foreigner, so I got my dual citizenship.
- How and when did you start playing basketball?
- I started playing when I was like 12, 13, pretty late. I played almost every sport when I was younger. But yeah, I started being serious about basketball when I was like 12, 13 years old.
- Basketball is quite unusual for Canada. Most people think that Canada is ice hockey and lacrosse. Did you try these sports?
- Yeah, of course. If you're Canadian, you definitely played a little bit of hockey when you were a kid because we're definitely really good at hockey. But where I'm from, basketball is huge. Toronto, our city, we have the Toronto Raptors. So when I was growing up, especially in my community, basketball was so big, so popular. And we have a ton of amazing Canadian professionals. We have the second most NBA players in the world after the USA. So yeah, Canada is amazing at basketball.
- You played basketball alongside Andrew Wiggins at school. Are you still in touch with him?
- I haven't talked to him in a while, a long time. But yeah, the last time I saw him was maybe four or five years ago. We never got to play on the national team together. There was one time he went and I didn't go. But yeah, I haven't spoken to him in a while.
- At the beginning of your career, you didn't get much recognition. You got an offer from Division 1. And some say that was by luck. The coach of Canisius noticed you when he came to watch another player. How did you feel then? How did you manage not to get discouraged?
- I mean, it was tough coming from Canada at my age because during my time, it wasn't very popular for Division 1 coaches to come to Canada. Now it's super popular. All the Division 1 coaches come to watch Canadians. But I was actually supposed to go to a Canadian university and I don't know, I was really proud of that. I thought I was doing well. But my dream was definitely to go to Division 1. And it happened by luck that one of my trainers in Canada, he knew an assistant coach from Canisius. And he said, hey, I got this kid. He's really good. You guys should come look at him, at least give him a chance. And that's exactly what they did. They gave me a chance and I was lucky enough to get a scholarship. It was one of the happiest days of my life for sure.
- According to reports, you trained so hard during your first year at college that you stayed in the gym even after closing time. And once even the police came to ask you to leave. Is that true?
- Yeah, I don't know why, but every new team I go to, they always ask me that same question. They bring up that same story. But yeah, it was true. One night, because the gym used to close at 10 p.m. And I wanted to stay later sometimes, so I used to hide in the locker room until they closed and then went back out to the court when everybody left. But yeah, I got in trouble one time, but the coach wasn't that mad.
- What did the police do?
- They kicked me out. They told me to go home. But yeah, we spoke to the coach the next day and they said, hey man, just don't go in there after 10 o'clock.
- After a successful performance in Buffalo, there were Missouri and Michael Porter Jr. Then, MPJ got injured early in the season, and then you quickly stepped up and became the team's leader. At the same time, MPJ was selected for the draft, but you weren't among those lucky ones. Why do you think you weren't selected?
- I think it was because I was older. I think they didn't really recognize my talent in the NBA. I'm a shooting guard and I'm not that tall for NBA shooting guards who are usually at least 6'5, 6'6. So I think I was a good enough player, but I didn't have the size, I didn't have the athleticism. So yeah, I kind of missed my opportunity in the NBA.
- Journalists, while preparing for this interview, came across one of the scouting reports of 2018. And it sounded a bit harsh that you were a one-skilled player. If you were asked to describe Kesha's current game, what would you say?
- I would say, of course, a talented shooter. But I've grown to be a talented scorer from everywhere on the court now, whether that's going to the basket, finishing in the mid-range or shooting threes. I definitely used to be really just catch and shoot, no dribble. But as my game has evolved through my professional years, I've become really good off the dribble. And yeah, I’m also a very high IQ player. I've learned how to play the game. I've had some great coaches and great teammates who really taught me a lot. So I think I've become a really good all-around player.
- Can you name the coaches that helped you most?
- Yeah, for sure. I would start with Konzo Martin, my coach from Missouri, who really put a lot of trust in me, especially when MPJ went down, got hurt. He kind of made me the leader of the team. And of course, I stepped up and played well, but he gave me huge, huge confidence. And he was one of my favorite coaches to play for. He's an amazing person; he taught me a lot about being a man off the court as well. I would definitely say my very first professional coach, Raul Corner, gave me the chance when not many other teams wanted to sign me professionally. He gave me my chance in Germany, so that helped a lot. And then I would say Moncho Fernandez, who coached me in Obradorio. We have had a very, very good relationship for three years. We played together in Spain in ACB, and he completely transformed my game. He helped me learn how to play pick and roll really well. And yeah, again, he put a lot of trust in me and just helped me grow my game.
- Your professional career started in Europe, but you have returned to Canada several times. Which basketball do you prefer? European or North American?
- That's tough to say. If we're not talking about the NBA, I really enjoy European basketball. I think it's super competitive. But I think the athleticism and the talent in the NBA is amazing to watch. I think people take it for granted because they see it on TV. But when you're up close with those guys and the size of them and the speed and the way they can jump is amazing. So I think I'd definitely prefer to play European basketball. But I mean, I think the NBA has the best players in the world by far.
- Your previous team was Joventut Badalona. Did they want to extend your contract?
- Yeah, I mean, I signed a two-year deal with them, so I was supposed to go back. But yeah, I got an offer from Loko that I couldn't turn down. And yeah, I wanted to come see what it's like out here in Russia.
- Did you receive some other offers besides Loko?
- Yeah, a few.
- From which countries?
- Spain, for sure. Yeah, all of them. I have like three or four different ones in Spain. But I think there's also a couple in Turkey. But I mean, I really wasn't going to leave Spain. Except until the offer from Loko came.
- Why did you choose Loko?
- My agent told me a lot about it. Said it's a very, very serious club. Beautiful city. And of course, I've never been to Russia. And I've only had two friends who've actually played in Russia. But it was before the sanctions and before they were out of EuroLeague and stuff. And yeah, I kept hearing how serious of a team Loko was. And since I've been here, it's completely true. How serious they take everything. The medicals, the training staff, and the facilities are all amazing. Really, really impressed. So I'm super glad I chose here.
- Weren't you put off by the suspension of Russian clubs from European competitions?
- I mean, yeah, of course you definitely see the situation from outside. But until you speak to people who are actually here, I think it's hard to know the situation for real. And I spoke to a lot of people who have been in Russia since the incident and with all the troubles going on. I mean, I think the worst part about this city is that airports are closed and the travel. But other than that, like I said, everybody I spoke to is like, you're really going to like it. And they've been right so far.
- Did you have a talk with Loko’s head coach Anton Yudin?
- Just getting to know each other, first of all. You know, understanding that I'm one of the more experienced guys on the team. So he definitely wants me to help bring that experience to the younger guys. And, you know, kind of understand that we have such a talented team. And the only thing that's going to hold us back is chemistry. So understanding that, keeping guys positive. And also he was asking me a lot of questions about what I like to do on the court and how I like to play. So, yeah, just kind of player-coach talk, getting to know each other.
- Loko is famous for their prospects. What can you say about them?
- Yeah, they're really good. They're huge. Super tall. I was super impressed. The team I played for last year is also known for their prospects in Spain as well. So it's kind of the same team. Joventud in Spanish means like the youth. So I'm familiar with that style of bringing up prospects. But, yeah, here is, wow, serious guys, really athletic, really tall. And they look pretty skilled. So I'm impressed with the young guys.
- Can you tell us about your personal goals for the next year or two?
- Yeah, I want to win a championship, man. I really want to win a championship. Something I've only done in the Canadian league. So it's something that's on my bucket list for sure. That's my main goal.
- The VTB United league recently had a very successful Canadian player. Are you acquainted with Xavier Rathan-Mayes?
- No, we don't know each other personally, but we played against each other a few times. He played for Madrid last year in the same league as me. So we played against each other a couple of times.
- On the Canadian national team, you may have played with guys who played in the VTB. Like Philipp Scrubb, Kevin Pangos, Kenny Cherry.
- My good friends, all of them.
- Did you discuss your move to Russia with them?
- Yeah, I spoke to KP, Kevin Pangos. He was one of the first people I texted. He and I have a good relationship. We played together on the national team and we played together in Valencia in Spain. So I love Kevin. Amazing player. He's a legend for Canadian basketball. Everybody knows Kevin Pangos. So yeah, his time at Zenit was, he said it's one of his favorite cities in his whole career. So I mean, I haven't been to St. Petersburg, but I'm sure it's beautiful. But yeah, he said, he told me the exact same thing. Of course, Spain to Russia is definitely going to be a big change. Just in terms of culture and, you know, the language, of course, it's kind of tough. You know, in Spain, where we were playing, everybody kind of speaks English. But yeah, he told me, you know, he loved his time there. Of course, he was there for, you know, a long time ago when they were in Euroleague. But yeah, he said, you're going to have a great time, man.
- Speaking of the Canadian national team, we can't not ask about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. You're both from Toronto.
- Yes, sir.
- Do you know each other?
- Yeah, of course. Yeah, I know Shai pretty well. We played multiple different times on the Canadian national team together, took some trips together. And man, he's one of the probably the best players I played against or played with for sure. And just such a talented kid, super motivated, super hardworking. He deserves everything he's gotten so far. And you see him winning the MVP and a championship is crazy. So he's already a legend as young as he is for us. He's one of the best.
- Is he the best player in the whole world at the moment?
- Oh, that's tough. That's a tough question, man. My favorite player of all time is Stephen Curry. I still think Steph is the best in the world, but I'm biased also. But if I were to choose number two, yeah, I would put Shai right there for sure.
- During the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, you and Shai both scored 24 points in one of the games. You scored eight three-pointers and outperformed SGA in terms of “plus-minus”.
- Probably the only time that will ever happen.
- How does that memory make you feel?
- Yeah, I remember that trip. That trip actually was a great trip. We did a lot of things as a team together. We traveled together. We went out to dinner. I think we were in the Virgin Islands. I think we were there in the Virgin Islands. And I remember we went out to a restaurant together as a team. That was a great time. But yeah, that whole trip and the games we had in Canada too was awesome. It's always super fun playing with those guys. I know all those guys super well. We're all from the same city as well, so it's nice to really play with your brothers.
- Do you still want to make a try in the NBA?
- Me? I think I'm a little bit too now. Of course, if they call, hey, I'm always ready. But yeah, the NBA is a little bit, I think, too athletic for me, especially at my age. Maybe when I was 24, 23, something like that, I think that was my moment. Or even a little bit, 25, 26. But yeah, I don't think the NBA is calling anytime soon.
- What were your first impressions of Russia?
- Like I said, since I've been here, I actually really love it. The sun hasn't stopped being out. The weather is beautiful. I just moved into my apartment. My apartment is amazing. What else? The grocery store is just like home. I don't feel like it's so much different from home. Of course, the language barrier is a little bit different. But man, this city is beautiful. I'm from Toronto. I'm from a beautiful city. Last year, I lived in Barcelona, which is also a beautiful city. And this is just as nice, man. So I really like it.
- Did you get a chance to see Krasnodar?
- A little bit. Me and a couple of my teammates, me, Pat [Miller], Royce [Hamm], Jeremiah [Martin], we've been out to eat a couple of times in the downtown area. So I think that's so far all I've seen. I just got my car yesterday. So I'm definitely going to be exploring a little bit more from now on, for sure.
- Did you follow the VTB league before joining Loko?
- I did many years ago when CSKA and Zenit were in the EuroLeague. Not the VTB league per se, more the Russian teams in EuroLeague. So, I don't know the competition level yet. I don't know the play style. So I'm interested to see and learn. I know it's going to be a learning experience for me, and I've got to adjust as well. Because Spain is pretty different compared to a lot of places. So I'm definitely going to have to adjust to the play style here.
- How are things going with your new teammates?
- Great, great. I think everybody's bringing great energy so far. We're working hard. It's only day two. But I can see how serious not only the players, but the staff are. And I think everybody's been really welcoming. Everybody says hello. A couple of guys live close to me, so we're always seeing each other. And like I said, me and the Americans are super close already, so everything's great.
- What do you usually do in your free time?
- My free time? Wow. I don't have a lot of free time lately. Ever since I've been here, I feel like we've been on the go. But I really like to learn new things. I'm a very curious person, so I like to study. I like to read books. And I like to watch instructional YouTube videos on how to do new things. I've been learning a little bit about Krasnodar. And I would love to visit some of the places I've heard about and see. So yeah, that's kind of what I like to do in my free time. Just have new experiences.
- Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself that few people know?
- I don't have many secrets, man. Everybody knows everything about me… You know what? Actually, everywhere I go, people ask me, they say I talk very normal. But it's actually not how I speak at all. Because where I'm from, in Toronto, we have a very strong accent. And we speak only to each other in that accent. So I think when people hear me speak to my friends, they say, oh, they're kind of surprised. I think that's maybe not so interesting, but that's one weird fact. I guess people don't really know.
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