Our team visits Belorussian capitol for the first time since the breakdown of the Soviet Union. The meeting with Minsk-2006 in VTB United League game can establish the record in number of spectators as the teams will take the floor of 15.000 arena.
The first CSKA visit of post-Soviet era is spoiled a bit as the team’s roster is not full. Alexander Kaun and Victor Khryapa continue their rehabilitation process, Matjaz Smodis is disqualified for two league games. The vacant place in the dozen is given to junior team guard Denis Polokhin. It should be mentioned that Khryapa is participating in non-contact practices already.
“I am anxious to go to Minsk, - CSKA interim coach Dmitry Shakulin said. Last time I was in Belorussia in 1995, for Dynamo Moscow training camp in Staiki. In my opinion, the games like this are very important for the development of European basketball. I hope we will play in front of 11-12 thousands spectators. We understand that the game will be special for our opponent, probably the game of the year. Minsk-2006 plays very aggressive offense. Point guard McKie when not guarded properly can score a lot. They also have good ‘bigs’ in King, Kozhenets and Koul who have the experience of American basketball.”
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