The Lokomotiv Kuban point guard gave an interview to the club's press service ahead of the semi-final series with CSKA, which starts on May 12.
- You come from the CSKA school. Do you feel like you're their alumnus?
- Well, I spent many years at CSKA, starting with the youth teams, playing for their DYuBL, Superliga, and Youth League teams. I even trained with the main team for a while. But I really came into my own at MBA, where I was given a chance and started playing in the VTB United League. So, I guess I'm raised by two clubs – CSKA and MBA.
- Of those you played with at CSKA, who are notable players now?
- Anton Kardanakhishvili, Ivan Pynko, Danila Pokhodyaev. Vova Karpenko is still playing at CSKA. Some guys play in the Superliga. We actually had a good squad.
- Are game against CSKA special to you?
- Actually, not anymore; the games are the same as all the rest. What really important to me is that that it's the semifinals. I've never played in the VTB United League semifinals, and for me personally, that's much more important than the fact that we're facing CSKA.
- What's Loko's mood like as you prepare for the semi-finals?
- We're in a good productive mood. We beat BETCITY PARMA 3-0, and therefore had plenty of time to prepare. Everyone's positive, working hard, and getting ready not just to come put and play, but to win.
- What's the most important thing at the start of a best-of-seven series?
- I think we need to show character from the very start and win as many games as possible. Even though we're playing away, we'll try to improve game after game and keep winning.
- Can fans be a key factor in such a series?
- Of course. When we play in Krasnodar, we always get great support. And I think the semifinals will be completely sold out. We're looking forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming games; the fans are a great help.
- In the playoffs, it's important to have a good atmosphere on the bench, too. How is Lokomotiv doing in this regard?
- Everything's great. In the series against BETCITY PARMA, despite playing with a small rotation, everyone supported each other; everyone wanted to advance to the semifinals. Against CSKA, we're playing best-of-seven, and the coach might use more players, so everyone needs to be ready. When you're supporting those on the court from the bench, you're still fired up and ready to go out and play your best at any moment.
- How difficult is it to come off the bench for an important game?
- First and foremost, you need to work hard on defense. And then everything will start to work out. The main thing is to play with great energy and help the team in any way you can.
Share with Friends: