It feels like the electric Frank Elegar has been in the VTB United League forever. A few years back, he was throwing down alley-oops with Scott Machado and helping Kalev contend for its 1st-ever postseason appearance, then he was turning heads in Krasnoyarsk with his ridiculous ups and athleticism in the paint.
Elegar shattered stereotypes at the Slam Dunk Contest in Sochi last February and was a key member of the World Stars team. Signing with Lokomotiv-Kuban over the summer was the next step. The Krasnodar club is doing everything it can to take advantage of his unique skillset and he’s responded with what may be the best season of his career.
– Your team has won 22 in a row between the EuroCup and VTB United League. Did Loko forget how to lose?
– I think our coaching staff is the secret. Sasa Obradovic gets us ready and does a great job of spreading out playing time. Our strength coach has us in great shape. We don’t get tired. We want to keep winning.
– Is this the longest winning streak of your career?
– Definitely as a pro. The only time I had a longer winning streak was in high school.
– Khimki has been pretty inconsistent in December and January. Does that give you an extra edge before Sunday’s game?
– No, no way. Khimki has a really strong, deep roster. They can beat anyone in Europe, especially after taking down one of the EuroLeague leaders, Olympiacos, in their last game.
– With Thomas Robinson unable to play, you should have an easier time around the basket, right?
– Robinson is a really talented player, but our opponent has a lot of good frontcourt players. I think Anthony Gill and his teammates will work hard to create problems for us under the basket.
– Who’s been the toughest match-up for you in the VTB United League?
– I’d say Kyle Hines and Artsiom Parakhouski. Hines is short for his position, but extremely strong and athletic. He’s a brick wall! Parakhouski had size and he knew how to use it in the paint.
– Let’s talk about your teammates. A lot of people still remember when you played alongside Scott Machado at Kalev…
– Oh yeah, that was an awesome time in Tallinn. Scottie was the best point guard I’ve ever played with. On top of his physical gifts, he had an excellent understanding of the game and always knew when to pass the ball. Dmitry Kulagin has some similarities right now as a teammate. He can do some incredible things on the court.
– Do you miss Tallinn?
– Yeah, I liked living there even though it was cold sometimes in Tallinn. It’s not a very big city, but very comfortable and beautiful. When the weather was terrible, I’d watch movies and go out to eat. I’m very happy now in Krasnodar. The fans are great and I’m more used to the climate. I hope I spend several seasons with the team.
– Over five seasons in the VTB United League, you probably have some interesting stories. What’s the best one?
– Once when I was playing for Kalev, we went to Samara, but our staff forgot to bring the uniforms. We only had 5-6 jerseys, nobody else had anything to wear. We decided to use our opponent’s practice jerseys. That was the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me playing this game.
– You recently turned 31. Do you feel like a veteran?
– I don’t. And when my teammates see how hard I play and how I move on the court, they can’t believe I’m already 31.
– What was the biggest accomplishment of your career?
– So far, signing with Milan and playing in the EuroLeague. But I hope I haven’t peaked yet since I plan to return to the EuroLeague with Loko.
– Sasa Obradovic is seen as one of the best coaches in Europe. What makes him different?
– Obradovic is very multi-talented. Every year he works the NBA’s Summer League. There aren’t many with his experience. At the same time, he’s always trying to improve and figure out how to connect with each of his players.
– Is he the best coach you’ve ever played for?
– Yeah, it’s a no-brainer. He’s the best. I hope he’ll be picked as one of the head coaches for the All-Star Game this season.
– As you know, the League picks the coaches for the All-Star Game, but the fans pick the players. Have you followed the voting?
– Yeah, everybody on the team is paying attention and I know I’m one of the nominees. It’s nice that so many Loko fans voted for me. Thank you to everyone for the support!
– Last year’s All-Star Game was packed with action. What do you remember most about Sochi?
– Helping make history. It was the League’s first All-Star Game and I was really happy to take part. Of course, it was also great to have my wife and daughter there.
– You also participated in the League’s first-ever Slam Dunk Contest. Who do you think is the biggest contender for the title this season?
– If the League invites Tyler Honeycutt, he has to win. He’s the best dunker in the League right now. Honeycutt already won a contest in Turkey with some unbelievable dunks, but I think he has even more tricks up his sleeve.
– Will you bring your family to St. Petersburg this year?
– Yes, my family had a great time in Sochi, so going to the All-Star Game will become a tradition.
– Do you think the World Stars will get revenge this year?
– Of course, there’s no question the World Stars will try to get some payback. I think it’ll be a fun, exciting, competitive game.
