Nikita Shabalkin was in the top 3 of CSKA shooters at almost all the friendly games. He also received an MVP award at the Moncalieri tournament:
Is there a thing that comes to you hard at the CSKA preparation system?
- The system 6+1 – 6 working days and 1 day off - is tough anyway. The reason is not that any of the players is not ready for a tough job. It is just hard to have such a great amount of new information almost without any breaks.
What can you say about the rivals of CSKA at this camp?
- Almost all the teams have experienced players on the rosters and we do not watch videos on the rivals before the game so we have to get used to the rival during the game. But on the other hand you know CSKA has more wins than losses so everything goes well.
Did you have a chance to meet any of the players from the other teams before?
- No. But I guess I saw Marcus Goree performance on TV lately.
Did it help you to play against him?
- Sure. I knew what I should expect.
Do you think that after coming back to Moscow you would be treated in another way because of the performance you showed here?
- I hope that I would receive the regular treatment as any other player on the team without any age allowances.
Would you change your personal goal for the season after the camp?
- No. The main task is the same – to become a common player on CSKA roster. It is hard to say what exactly it means in numbers. I think that it is about playing 15 minutes a game but this number can be changed. I guess coach would have a chance to evaluate only when all of the players would join us.
Do you have any other non-basketball impressions on the team’s trip to Italy?
- We were in Venice last Sunday. Despite the fact it was the only rainy day in two weeks I enjoyed the excursion a lot. It is a pity we did not have a chance to use the gondolas. But probably some other time. And also I was impressed with the number of the doves at San Marco square. And in general we have a chance to see the great sights even from the bus window when we travel from one city to another.
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