Vsevolod Ishchenko: "I

A press conference was held in Krasnodar for Vsevolod Ishchenko, a Lokomotiv Kuban player selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft. Not only journalists but also ordinary fans attended the meeting with Vsevolod, so don't be surprised with some questions.

As we already know, you're staying with Lokomotiv next season. How did this decision come about, and how do you rate your experience in the NBA Summer League?: It was a very useful experience for me. Even though it was a preseason tournament, mostly with rookies, it was still a very competitive environment. When I first arrived, it took me a while to get used to the speed, the rhythm of American life, and the game, because basketball is completely different there. So the first few days were spent adapting, and the first few games were also spent figuring out what to do on the court. But then I more or less got into it. As for returning to Lokomotiv Kuban, it wasn't just me making the decision; it was everyone together: Dallas and Loko. The best option for me was to return here and play in Krasnodar next season. Also, it's great to be back with my home team, the place where I grew up and spent so many years. I really enjoy playing here, just being here. We've set the most ambitious goals for next season, and want to have a successful one. Therefore, we will work and try to progress.
How different are training sessions at Dallas and at Lokomotiv? And what was the atmosphere like in the locker room?: I noticed the difference right away. There are more people there, including players, coaches, and some other staff. At first, I was a little confused; it was unusual to see so many people at a practice. Also, the practices in Dallas aren't the most energy-intensive, either in terms of time or difficulty. We often faced special coaches, not teammates. We practiced defense first, then offense. Shooting finally, but also not for long. There are a lot of people on the court passing the ball to you and explaining what you need to do. As for the atmosphere in the locker room, we practically didn't have one. Everyone came, changed, then went to the weight room, worked out, and everyone worked out on their own. Only in the basketball gym do you come together and practice. Before that, you're alone.
In the Summer league, you also was talking to the referees. Did you ask them anything or explained what they were doing wrong? And overall, how different is the officiating system in the Summer League and the VTB United League?: The rules of the game in America and Russia are, definitely, different. I heard some of the whistles for the first time in my life, because we don't have such rules. As for the talking, well, I was just expressing my emotions, of which there are always plenty on the court. But I realize that if I tone down my ardor, it will be easier for me to play basketball. Although it won't be as interesting as with the talking.
Have you seen any NBA stars at games or practices?: During rookie practices, the Dallas Mavericks main roster players often worked out individually. I saw Cooper Flagg shoot the ball and crossed paths with him a couple of times in the locker room. I've seen Kyrie Irving's practice for a bit. Almost all the guys from the main team also attended our games in Las Vegas. I also saw Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podzemski and their head coach Steve Kerr.
What did American coaches pay special attention to in your game and what advice did they give you?: The main advice is to be more aggressive on offense and spend less time without the ball. Try to let the ball find me. Also, be more confident in my finishing, improve my shooting, and everything else a little bit.
In America, were they satisfied with your English or do you need to improve it too?: Of course, I need to improve. Although I didn't have any problems, neither with understanding nor with speaking. And the people I spoke with noted that my English was quite good for someone from Russia.
Are you still in touch with Dallas? And what are the chances you'll be there next season?: As for next season, again, everything depends on my performance. As for communications with the American club, of course, close cooperation has been established. The management, the medical staff, and the coaching staff are all in touch. So, work is underway on that front.
What did you feel the moment you landed in America?: I felt a little discomposedly at the airport and on the way to the hotel. Then I slept, went to practice, and as the first sweat came off, I immediately felt calmer.
Does food for basketball players in Russia and the USA differ?: In America, you eat before the gym. You eat right after the gym. And after throwing practice, you also can go out to eat. The portions are also bigger. In terms of quality, there's little difference. All the food is exactly the same, just from a different country.
What did you do in your free time?: In Dallas, I rented an electric bike and rode around the city. Without a map, I'd just go somewhere and try to find my way back. I checked new places and spent my free time that way.
Did you enjoy playing in the Summer League?: It was cool because part of my dream came true: stepping onto the court of an NBA club. I got a feel for what it's like; I played there. I loved it. But that's just a start.
As one of the most prominent graduates of the Lokomotiv Academy, do you feel any responsibility to the younger generation? Do you want to show by example what can be achieved with hard work?: I want to show people both in Russia and abroad that basketball is unfairly underrated in our country. So I try to prove otherwise.
At what point in your life and career did the dream of trying to get to the NBA become a goal? Do you remember when you said to yourself, "I can do it, and I'll do everything for it"?: By the time I was 10, I'd already decided I wanted to play basketball professionally. I wanted to achieve that goal and fulfill my dream so I could be proud of myself. So far, it goes right.
You're the first basketball player from the Krasnodar region to be selected in the NBA draft. What would you tell your 14-year-old self, just starting out at the Lokomotiv Academy?: Don't listen to people who say something might not work out, who underestimate you without any supporting evidence. Never give up, keep working, believe in yourself and that everything will work out. It may be clichéd, but it works.
Do you think anyone else from the Lokomotiv Academy can follow in your footsteps?: I'm 100% sure I'm not the only one who'll make it from our Academy to the NBA. We have a lot of talented kids training here right now, they have access to excellent sports facilities, and of course, they have every chance of not just going to America, but conquering it.
There's a lot going on around you right now. How are you coping?: Honestly, I don't think I'm quite sure yet whether I'm coping with it or not. I'm just trying to stay calm amidst all the hustle and bustle around me. My family and friends support me, as do my teammates and everyone at Lokomotiv Kuban.
You're wearing #23 on your back, the number of Krasnodar Krai. Do you think it's possible to get this number in the NBA? Will you try to make it?: I must say, it's not about the region. Initially, when I played in Rostov-on-Don, I chose number 5. I like that number, five is everywhere: it's the highest grade in school, I have five fingers and toes, I was born in 2005, and if you divide my birth date by the month, February 10, you also get five. But when I came to Lokomotiv, #5 was taken. I had to wear #7. The next season, the number was taken again, even though we seemed to have agreed that #5 would be mine. I didn't want to wear #7 again, so I started thinking about which one to choose instead. I decided that #23 was a good option. You know why? 2 plus 3 is five! That's the story. At the Dallas Mavericks #23 is currently taken. We'll see what happen later.
Vsevolod, your social media profile picture is of the character from the cartoon KikoRiki (Smeshariki). Why?: I really like this cartoon. My closest friend is Rustam Gagkayev. Once we decided to do something together as friends. I found a picture online and told him, "You take Chiko, and I'll take Krash the Rabbit." He didn't mind. I've always been a kid at heart and hopefully will always be. So, I like my avatar.
How did you manage to balance studying and basketball?: I was a good student at school, and then at the sports boarding school. I finished my senior year with two Bs, the rest with A's. I never had any problems with my studies. I understood that education was essential in life. I divided basketball and studying, devoting enough time to both. It went like this: after practice, I'd come home. Yes, it was late, I wanted to sleep, but I had to do my homework. So I'd sit down and do it. Sometimes I'd postpone it until the morning and get up earlier.
How was your English at school?: I also got an A in English, but the English you learn at school isn't what you need to communicate in another country. It does provide some basic knowledge, though.
While you were in the US, did you follow the changes in Lokomotiv's roster and what did you think of the summer signings?: Of course I followed. It was interesting. I try to keep an eye on all the transfers and signings in the VTBUnited League, and gauge the strength of other teams, too. However, expressing my own opinion on transfers would not be correct.
You played with Gleb Firsov in Rostov-on-Don. Do you think you'd make a great match at the senior level?: Gleb and I attended the same sports school in Rostov-on-Don, Youth Sports School #7, but we trained with different coaches. We teamed up for the Rostov regional team to compete in the Russian Championship. We played together for one season, then our paths parted. I transferred to another team in Rostov, then went to Krasnodar, and Firsov moved to Perm. Now we'll be on the same team again. A lot has changed since we were 12 years old, but if you have some kind of rapport with someone in real life, communicate well, and share common goals, then you probably won't have any difficulties on the court.
How difficult is it to establish team communication when there are lots of roster changes during the offseason? How quickly do you find common ground with new players?: I must say, when I first joined the main team, I had some issues with this. I was just shy about interacting with the guys in the locker room because I hadn't spoken with anyone at all before. It got easier the following season. But this is professional sport, and you have to be used to it.
What in the American training process that surprised you the most?: The first thing that comes to mind is that during training sessions five-on-five games often involve playing against coaches, not teammates. In Russia, a coach shows you a play, and then you practice it against another players. Also, when you shoot the ball, there is a special TV that immediately shows what part of the hoop you hit, how deep you hit it, and measures the arc of your shot in degrees. So, you shoot, look at the TV, and then make adjustments. I wish we had TVs like that at Basket Hall!
What are the main difference between playing in the NBA Summer League and the VTB United League?: Playing in the Summer league was unusual because everything is faster there, I would say more chaotic, more one-on-one play, fewer combinations. It took some getting used to. It's not a problem, just my observation, something I had to, so to speak, work with.
You said you try to learn some tricks from NBA players. Which NBA stars do you consider yourself similar to?: No one. Again, because everyone has a different height, weight, reach, playing style, and skill set. Comparing yourself to anyone is wrong. I simply try to learn from the best players. You watch how one player moves, another how they pass, a third how they carry themselves, how they communicate with their teammates, and so on.
You are a Dallas Mavericks player, but what team would you desire to play for?: When I was playing on the console, I chose Dallas because Luka Dončić played there. He's my favorite player. And if I had to choose who to play against, I'd want to play against Nikola Jokić. As for the club, I'm totally okay with the Dallas Mavericks. I'm prefer staying with one club and not jumping back and forth. But I can't say how life will turn out.

Vsevolod Ishchenko: “I’m 100% sure I’m not the only one who’ll make it from our Academy to the NBA”