Russian coach Mikhail Karpenko made an unconventional career move three years ago, taking a job in Kazakhstan. Now he’s head coach of the Kazakhstan national team and Astana, the nation’s top team, which is pushing for a spot in the VTB United League playoffs. Karpenko spoke with VTB-League.com about the differences between Russian and Kazakh players, about how to be on the same page with his players and who’s the conduit for his ideas on the court.
– Astana defeated Zenit by 23. Was this the biggest win of your career?
– The biggest wins are the ones that bring you titles or medals. This was one of the most memorable and ranks very high on my personal list since it came as a head coach in the VTB United League and against an opponent that is always in contention for one of the top places.
– Did your team play its best against Zenit or is it capable of playing even better?
– I want to believe we can play even better. Before anything else, there needs to be consistency. It’s hasty to judge our team’s potential based on one game given we played well and Zenit didn’t play how it has most of the season.
– Your team only took 13 3-pointers against Zenit and ran the offense through the paint. Was that your plan?
– No, I didn’t talk about it explicitly. But we adjusted during the game. We found our opponent’s vulnerabilities on defense and decided to attack through the paint.
– Many don’t know that a Russian coach is in charge of Kazakhstan’s top club and the national team. How did that happen?
– Four years ago, I was working for Ataman in Rostov. The club folded for financial reasons and I had to look for new work. So I went to Kazakhstan, where there was a vacancy at Kaspy (Aktau) in the national league. Three years later, I received an invitation to join Astana’s coaching staff and take over the Kazakh national team.
– Is there a difference in mentality between Russian and Kazakh players?
– Yes, very much so. Russian players have more competition, so they are more focused on earning a spot on the roster. In Russia, if you don’t play your best, you might lose your job. In Kazakhstan, there are far fewer professional players. As coach of the national team, I want that to situation to change soon. More competition means better players.
– Have you had any recent job offers from Russia? Would you like to return to Russia?
– Right now I’m focused on my work and how Astana is playing. The team has goals for this season, which need my complete attention. I need to wait for the end of the season and see what offers there are in the summer. As for the previous offseason, the offers I had from my previous club and Astana were more intriguing both in a material sense and a career sense, than any options in Russia. I’m also very happy I have an opportunity to coach the national team, which is competing in World Cup qualifying. That’s enormous experience that will benefit me.
– Your season began with you arriving in Astana following the preseason without any luggage. Were there a lot of challenges at Astana in the beginning?
– I wouldn’t say so. It wasn’t my first time in Astana. I knew the city. I got settled quickly: The club provided an apartment and everything I needed. Everything is done very professionally at the club.
– At the end of preseason, you flew separately from the team because you had a Russian passport and Astana needed to make a connection in Ukraine. Has that been an issue at all?
– No, we haven’t had a layover in Ukraine this season, so I always fly with the team. I also don’t see any issues with living in Kazakhstan with a Russian passport. We are friendly countries and a person from Russia can live and build a career here, same as at home.
– What did you change first on the team after Kostas Flevarakis departed?
– We emphasized a few disciplinary issues. A basketball team is a very delicate organism. Someone will always be dissatisfied with their role. We try to explain to every player why they receive “x” amount of time on the court. That process never ends. Of course, there are always things that can be adjusted, but I didn’t want to significantly alter what Kostas Flevarakis had built. I prefer a smooth transition to my vision for the team. So far, everything is going pretty well. We’ve won two of our last three games and went to double overtime in the other game.
– How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
– As Sergei Bazarevich says, I don’t understand the expression “coaching philosophy.” I have an vision of how I want my ideal team to look. But everything depends on the personnel. If I want to run the offense through a big man, but I don’t have anyone who can do it, my coaching philosophy won’t work. Right now, I have the roster that I have. There won’t be other players. And I need to achieve the maximum possible by helping them utilize their strengths and play to their potential. In addition, everything depends on the opponent. For example, if the other team takes a lot of threes, we need to emphasize defending the perimeter against them. Everything is very individualized.
– Astana’s best players are Americans. How difficult is it working with them?
– There’s a basketball language that everyone understands. I had experience working with American players at my former club. I’m familiar with their mentality. All players, including Americans, need to clearly understand that there’s a specific job that needs to be done. There are times when you can improvise, and situations when you have to listen to the coach. If we rely on that framework, we’re able to figure everything out at team meetings. Breaking things down like that is very effective, I’ve learned. It helps create a common understanding and avoid making similar mistakes the next time.
– Who on Astana’s roster is the conduit for your ideas on the court?
– I’d single out Leonidas Kaselakis. He’s not only one of the hardest-working players on the court; he’s also very responsible with coaching instructions. I like his response to feedback and game plans. There are moments when it doesn’t always work out and he wants to do something different, but, nonetheless, he always does what you ask.
– You are quickly progressing as a coach. What is your goal for the next few seasons?
– My next goal is making the VTB United League playoffs, making a successful appearance in the Kazakhstan Cup and Kazakh league, and also achieving solid results with the national team.
– Are you ready to shave your head bald or do something else crazy if Astana makes the playoffs?
– Making the playoffs would be a success for Astana, but nothing unbelievable, given the team has already made the playoffs, including last season most recently. But if Astana advances to the Final Four, then I’d be ready to do something crazy.
– The team will have nearly two weeks between games. Is that an issue for the team?
– We already dealt with that in November. The Kazakh players will compete in the national league and on the national team. It’s more challenging with the foreign players, but we’ll find a way to keep them fit and sharp.
– The VTB United League All-Star Game is almost here. Are you going to watch?
– I really want to see it! I’ll try to find time, though I don’t have much, since immediately following our game in the Kazakh league on February 15, I begin preparing with the national team for 2019 World Cup qualifying against Iran.
