Today CSKA forward Viktor Khryapa returned to Moscow from America. We asked Viktor to share his impressions about his trip and about workouts for NBA teams before the draft.
When, why and by whom was the decision made to pull out of the draft?
- The official pullout of the draft was sent by my agent to the NBA a few minutes before 14:00 (local time) on June 19 - the deadline for pulling out. The decision was made together with the club, my agent and me. According to my contract, I’m going to be a CSKA player next year anyway. We decided that next year I could be drafted higher and get a better contract are far as playing and financial aspects are concerned.
Which NBA teams did you work out for? Which team representatives did you speak to?
- In eight days I worked out for seven teams: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State, Phoenix, Seattle and Portland. I spoke mainly with managers and assistant coaches. For example, in Los Angeles I spoke with Phil Jackson.
What were the workouts like? How long were they? How many players participated? Were there lots of Europeans?
- Before workouts at every club they took your measurements: height, weight, wingspan, etc. In Seattle and New York I had medical examinations. In Portland I had psychological tests. The actual workouts were made up of all sorts of tests, shooting from different distances, one-on-one and two-on-two in the half-court. The workouts were of different length. With tests they lasted three hours. Without them, 1 1/2 to two hours. Usually three or four players took part in the workouts. I worked out only with Americans.
What are your impressions of America?
- My impressions are two practices and a flight. I started the day at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. I had workouts. After that, I ate lunch. At 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. I flew to another city. The flights lasted from one to five hours. Then dinner. Sleep in the hotel. And then everything all over again. I only saw the country from the car and out of the airplane window.
Do you regret spending part of your vacation like that? What are your further plans?
- I don’t regret it. I think that the experience will help me in the future. Tonight I’m flying to Saratov, where I’ll spend the rest of my vacation. On June 27 I’ll return to Moscow to join the Russian national team.
VTB Teams:
League&Tournament:
