- You spent eight seasons in the NBA and you can imagine at what stage the players are now ready. Are those who explain the two defeats of American clubs the lack of training after a summer vacation are right?- Previously, when I played in the NBA, you had to come in good shape for the preseason matches. And during the exhibition meetings the teams were engaged exclusively in basketball preparation, playing combinations. I think that now the requirements should be even more stringent, because the union of players during the discussion of the collective agreement has achieved a reduction in the duration of the preseason. So there is less time. Although, of course, readiness is clearly not enough. The Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy told me that before the matches in Moscow, they only trained four times. Of course, this is not enough.
After all, European basketball is rapidly approaching American. And for the clubs there are many players from across the ocean - it turns out such a globalization. For example, it would be more interesting for me to observe the victory of a truly Russian or Spanish team. But in this case, the tour turned out to be curious.
By the way, I was surprised that the sites in Moscow and Cologne were different: in Russia, the three-point line was clearly closer. In Germany, the markup favored the NBA guys: the Europeans need more determination to attack from seven meters. In any case, such meetings are necessary, because spectators like them and promote basketball.
- As a member of the USSR national team in 1988, you became the author of the first victory over the NBA club. What were your feelings? What has changed since then?- It was very interesting. The Americans showed a completely different speed - to keep up with them, we lacked readiness, “breathing”. After all, we played against Atlanta, whose colors defended real stars - Dominic Wilkins, Webb Recession. Now, in terms of physical fitness, the guys are not inferior to the Americans.
- There is an opinion that European basketball has already reached the NBA level.“I would not speak so confidently.” Approaches the level - that's for sure. I think if the participating teams of "NBA Europe Live" met at the end of the season, when the NBA clubs add a lot to the intensity, teamwork, desire to win, the outcome of the tour would be different.
- Due to what two victories were achieved in October 2006?- Of course, due to great desire. As for CSKA, he struck me with a dense, perfectly debugged defense. In addition, the team does not abuse improvisation, excluding stupid mistakes. The game turns out to be very organized, and even Clippers were lost against its background.
- It is believed that the performance in the NBA is the dream of most players, and the really best ones are selected there. Well, the guys from “Barcelona” and CSKA are not suitable for the strongest league in the world?- You know, to get to America, you also need luck. To be noticed here, they were correctly evaluated, and then they also gave you the opportunity to prove yourself. After all, it often turns out that strong players end up in clubs where there is too much competition in their position, and there are few opportunities to be noted. On the other hand, on the benches of the NBA clubs, two or three people are sitting, who here could not even have been included.
- Are there any thoughts about the meetings of the NBA team with leading Lithuanian clubs?- Such conversations are ongoing. In particular, there is a preliminary agreement on a visit to Vilnius in a couple of years, Golden State. To do this, you need the consent of Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris and, of course, conditions, money.
- There will be no problems with arenas in Vilnius and Kaunas. Is a project in ailing Lithuania with basketball not paying off?- (Laughs). After all, we have not so much money as in Russia.
- At one time, League commissioner David Stern talked a lot about the possibility of placing an NBA club in the Old World. Do you think this idea has a right to exist?- Three or four years ago it was said about one thing, now the situation has become different ... For example, the owner of “Dallas” Mark Kuban says that he sees a competitor in the Euroleague. Much is changing, and much must be substantially redone in order for this possibility to persist. Most European clubs simply do not fit into the requirements of the NBA structure. For example, Barcelona has more than a hundred shareholders, which is absolutely impossible overseas. So, I doubt that the league can be replenished by existing teams. Rather, you have to create new ones. And one can not do here - you need at least a division.
- Is it necessary for the Euroleague?- Not sure.
- Last spring, you were also ready to take up perestroika activities. They put forward their candidacy for the presidency of FIBA-Europe, but then withdrew from the elections, allowing the reign of Georgos Vasilakopulos to continue. How did the situation unfold?- In European basketball, indeed, a lot can be changed. It takes a lot of time and a lot of responsibility. Countries are unevenly developed. Small noticeably lag behind large. We have to work hard and have a clear idea of what to focus on. The biggest changes are needed in marketing. Where are the TV channels showing basketball advertising? Other sports have long surpassed in this sense, the competition for the attention of fans is very high. Now in FIBA no one understands this. There they cheerfully report on successes, and these reports are received with applause only by the 50 people who listen to them. And you should first listen to the fans. Here we need a serious program, and quality marketing work. Not the kind that two or three people are doing now in FIBA Europe.
- And you were not allowed to take up the changes ...- Representatives of the Lithuanian Federation persuaded others not to vote for me. In general, these are our internal problems, troubles. As a result, Vasilakopulos was almost reported by name who voted for whom. I realized that it was pointless to fight this, and I starred. Of course, I want to help European basketball, but I do not want to beat my forehead against the wall. Now in the manual, it seems, everyone is happy with everything.
Nikolai TSYNKEVICH