Today PBC CSKA was paid a visit by former CSKA player Andrei Kirilenko, who arrived in Moscow after the end of the NBA season. The Utah Jazz player gave an interview to our site.
What plans do you have for the summer?
- I want to be in Moscow for a month. I’m going to visit friends and just relax. In June and July I’m going to travel with my whole family to France to rest. True, in June I’ll have to head off to a basketball camp for young players in Italy. Other European NBA players like Predrag Stojakovic, Vlade Divac and Pau Gasol will be taking part. The second such camp will be in mid-July in Paris, and Tony Parker is set to work that one with me. I plan to return to Salt Lake City on July 1 to begin training individually with a coach for next season. And on August 14-15 I’ll join the Russian national team.
Did you have a chance to watch any Euroleague games over the course of the NBA season?
- No. It’s practically impossible in the United States. So I just followed it via the Internet. Also, Viktor Khryapa and I were writing back and forth.
What do you think: When would be a good time for him to try his luck in the NBA?
- First of all, he hasn’t gone through the draft yet. If you get rid of all the formalities, Viktor could go the NBA this summer. And actually, that goes for all of the CSKA players. In order to play in the NBA, you have to consider three factors. First, a player’s desire not just to land in the NBA, but to be successful there. Second, trust in the coach. Third, a team where there is minimal competition at your position. If you have all of those, then the NBA won’t seem beyond your dreams.
Less than a week remains before the Euroleague Final Four. Your prediction for CSKA?
- I believe that our team can beat Barcelona and then win the Euroleague. In general, it’s a final with the best clubs in Europe. Barcelona is a strong team, plus their playing at home. Benetton has shown some interesting basketball. And nobody expected Siena in the Final Four, but their capable of surprising people in Barcelona. Any factor can decide the outcome of the game. You just have to be ready to use your chances. Three years ago, when my CSKA team played in the Suproleague Final Four against Maccabi, we were ahead almost the entire game but let up and eventually lost.
Don’t you want to go to Barcelona to watch the tournament?
- I would like to, but honestly, I’m really tired after the NBA season. Especially after all the traveling. So I will be rooting for CSKA in front of the television at home.
How has CSKA changed since last season?
- Above all, the club has improved its professionalism. In everything , from the coaching staff and the front office to the tiniest details. It’s immediately had a positive effect on the team’s success. Before there was a little different attitude to basketball and everything related to it. Plus, the new head coach has brought discipline to the team. With my utmost respect to Stanislav Eremin and Valery Tikhonenko, who gave me a lot as a player, Russian experts are softer coaches. Our practices are more based on trust in the players, whereas in the U.S. and the top European clubs it’s more based on discipline and professionalism.
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