The hero of the final game of the World championship among the Army forces teams Nikita Shabalkin appeared in the office of CSKA just two days after the game. There was no surprise – Shabalkin has a contract with the club. But we could not miss an opportunity to talk to him.
Can you compare the level of the championship and Russian superleague?
- The level was rather high for such a tournament. The fact that we won the final game with the big difference should not misguide ones. Every our rival had experienced players in the line-up. Some of them even took part in the Euroleague.
But you became the best scorer of the finals. Does that mean that the Lithuanian team was a ‘comfortable’ opponent for you?
- No, the rival was not the reason. Our goal was to win the game at any price. We had to prove that we worth to play in the final, we worth to be the champions.
Did you enjoy taking part in the championship?
- Sure. It was a great experience not only on the court. We had a chance to take part in the military parade and to feel like we were true part of the Army.
What do you mean by taking part in the parade?
- Well, we had the uniform of the Air forces and the organizers decided to take us to the eternal flame…
Did you prepare to the parade in the same way as regular forces do?
- Of course not. No one asked us for the same accuracy as it happens in the Army. We were shown the place where we should stand and what we should do.
You are back to CSKA. What are you going to do now?
- I am looking forward to have a rest for a week. Then I will start preparations at CSKA side with all of my team mates.
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