“We all know it’s going to be a big game”, CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “Lokomotiv went through a lot of changes, they have new head coach, a number of newcomers. I think this year they added quality and experience of playing in major competitions like NBA and Euroleague. Surely we analyzed all the games they played, both exhibition and official ones. Krasnodar players demonstrated high energy, desire and ability to play in the open court, score on primary and secondary fast breaks, they have several very good athletes, undersized but skilled big men like Randolph, Brown, Hendrix; Zubkov shown that he can play on the highest level. Their set offense is mostly in the hands of Delaney and Simon who are great executers. Lokomotiv started the season well, they beat Nymburk, they knocked down Kalev. We have to face them early in the season and it’s going to be a real fight. Krasnodar team is built for big wins, it actually has Euroleague roster but we are in good shape too and our goal is to win. Definitely in this game nothing is given not for us nor for them.”
The encounter is expected to be spectacular one: both teams demonstrate fast-paced and impressive basketball this fall. The Sunday opponents beat nominal outsiders in high-scoring games to start the VTB League season, and Loko even set a record winning margin of 63 points. The fans are curious who is ready to show the high quality basketball in the games against serious opponents quicker.
The question in the headline is especially important for the Muscovites because they had to become smaller. Demetris Nichols got injured in the game vs Bisons: the tests in GMS Clinic revealed torn adductor in his left leg. Forward stayed in Moscow for conservative therapy. Nando De Colo (broken left hand) also works out individually. Victor Khryapa (left ankle, right hip) went to a clinic in Athens for rehab. CSKA also has a change in coaching staff: Maxim Fomichov left the team due to family reasons.
Anton Astapkovich got the chance to make his debut in the official game for CSKA. Forward from Belarus who impressed the fans during the Gomelsky Cup, is not included to the main teams roster so he is not considered to be the 8th foreigner. Still the junior team player can be used in the games for the main team, and the limit is respected because of De Colo and Nichols absenses.
CSKA – Loko match-ups
Wins/losses: 45-5,
In Moscow: 26-2, in Rostov: 9-1, in Krasnodar: 10-2
CSKA biggest margin of victory – 10.04.2004. Moscow. Russian Cup quarterfinals: 116-67 (+49)
Lokomotiv biggest margin of victory – 10.05.2014. VTB United League quarterfinals: 66-81 (-15)
Last game in Krasnodar – 23.05.2014. VTB United League quarterfinals: 78-79 (+1)
Last game in Moscow – 26.05.2014. VTB United League quarterfinals: 84-65 (+19)
Short Dossier
Lokomotiv-Kuban Krasnodar
Founded: 2003 (Lokomotiv-Rostov)
Clolors: red, green, white
Home Arena: Basket Hall (7,500)
President: Andrey Vedishchev
Head Coach: Sergey Bazarevich
Website: www.lokobasket.com
Accomplishments: Eurocup winner (2013), VTB United League runner-up (2013), BEKO PBL bronze medal winner (2011-12), Eurochallenge runner-up (2011), FIBA-Europe Cup runner-up (2005)
