Having defeated the Czech team in Perm (104: 81) in Perm, the Russians regained their leadership in Group C of the qualifying tournament for Euro 2007. The protagonist of this match was the striker of our team and overseas “Portland” Victor Khryapa, who told Izvestia correspondent Dmitry Sergeyev that he played practically on one leg. Khryap received an injury before the first official game of the team led by David Blatt: in Kazan, at one of the training sessions, he twisted his leg for the second time in three weeks. As a result, the Russian team could remain without its leader for a long time.Question: Judging by the brilliant game in a duel with the Czechs, there was no trace of injury or a trace?
answer: If ... ( sighs ). The leg has not healed and constantly makes itself felt. It’s painful even to walk.
Q: How did you play? Especially given the difficult relationship between Europe and the NBA. Overseas, they are waiting for you unharmed, and the Portland leaders were not eager to let go of the team ...
A: Played overcoming pain. And what could I do?
Q : Calmly prepare for an individual program and wait for the doctors to go ahead.
about: Yes ?! And where will the national team play then? I do not want to say that I am the navel of the earth: I go out and instantly make a result. But he could no longer watch us lose to Belgium. The situation was critical, and I made my choice.
Q : Russian national team coach David Blatt was aware that you play through pain?
about: Yes. On the eve of the game with the Czechs, I had my first training session. An hour ran, then the coach called me and asked: "Can you play?" He answered: they say, I can, but actually on one leg. He said that even in such a state I would do my best. That same evening they made it clear to me that I was in an application for a game with the Czechs. I didn’t know about the fact that I would go out on the floor until the very last moment. But he was eager to fight, forgetting about a sore leg. Probably, the general mood of the guys was conveyed. We were literally ready to sweep rivals off the court. After all, but the defeat from the Belgians in the previous game hurt our pride. I wanted to rehabilitate myself in front of the fans as quickly as possible; prove what we really stand for.
Q: Over the past ten days, you have conducted only one training session, and even that is not in full. How did you have enough strength for the game?
A: But all this time I kept fit. Constantly worked on simulators, rode a bicycle ... In general, I was fine.
Q: In recent years, the Russian team has ceased to expect big victories. Now, for skeptics, it’s an ideal moment to stick to the topic of the national team: it didn’t make it to the World Cup, and on top of that, managed to lose to Belgium. Aren't you upset about the current state of affairs?
about: What do you think ?! We deserve much more and soon, no doubt, we will prove it. We have a young and very promising team. So far, of course, it’s a shame to fight only for the right to play at the European Championship. But nothing can be done, first you need to solve a local problem.
Q: How do people perceive the fact that, according to the results of the first round of qualifications, the best in the Russian national team in many respects is ... American Holden?
A: Quite normal: this is a trend of the times. Many national teams are now playing basketball players born hundreds, thousands of kilometers from these countries. As for Holden, this is a real professional. He used to be a leader everywhere, including in the best club in Europe, CSKA. The guys understand this and, conversely, often try to play John. Especially when he has what is called "gone."
Q: What is his attitude towards the team in general?
A: I have been playing for the national team for several years and I can say that now the atmosphere in the team is probably perfect. We are all almost the same age. And we love John very much. ( After a pause ) ... So write it!
Q : Will you play Saturday's match against Hungary?
A: This will be decided by the coach. I am ready to go on the floor at any time.
Q : Can you give a forecast for this fight?
A: I do not want to offend Hungarian basketball players, but we must beat such rivals. Otherwise, we will stop respecting ourselves ...
Dmitry SERGEEV