CSKA came to Treviso on Sunday afternoon. There the team would continue preparing for the upcoming season. There are some changes in the roster. Evgeny Kolesnikov, Yaroslav Korolev and David Vanterpool are not with the team in Italy, on the other hand Davide Lamma (29, 191 sm), who spent last season with Montepaschi Siena joined CSKA for the practices and games in the country.
We asked CSKA head coach Ettore Messina to make comments on the team not a long time before the evening practice on Tuesday.
Please make a summary of the camp in Moscow.
- We paid most attention to the physical conditions of the players. It is an important part of the preparations as we are going to face a long season. I am satisfied with the job we have done.
What is your opinion on the young players? Did you expect more?
- Without any doubts they are talented. But the only thing missing is experience.
Why did you decide to invite Davide Lamma to the camp?
- Right now we have only two play makers on the roster and one of them – Artur Urazmanov misses the experience badly. J.R.Holden is with Russian National team, Theodoros Papaloukas is with the Greeks. We discussed the matter with Sergey Kuschenko and decided that for the team it would be better if we would use some experienced player on the position. Davide Lamma is a perfect fit. He played in the Euroleague and last year was with the Italian National team.
Is it a common situation for the club to invite player to the camp not meaning to sign a contract?
- Yes, it is a common situation in Europe. Sergey Kuschenko told me that sometimes the same situation happens in Russia.
What would be the main focus of the team at the camp in Italy?
- Games. They would give the players a chance to practice.
Why did not you take Kolesnikov, Korolev and Vanterpool with you?
- Kolesnikov has to join Ural Great in order to prepare to the season better. Vyaltsev actually has the same situation. But I have already explained that we have some problems with the playmakers so we would keep him in the camp longer. Korolev has to fix the situation about his possible transfer to Clippers. David Vanterpool would follow personal preparation program for some time.
The game vs. Ettore Messina former team Benetton is scheduled for Thirsday. It is going to be the first friendly game for CSKA this season.
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