VTB United League General Director Ilona Korstin talked about the high level of competition this season, highlighted the brightest League players and answered the question about Canada’s players in the League.
– This season brings a lot of sensations, and it seems that there may not be four teams competing for the Belov Cup, but six or even eight?
– The VTB United League level is quite high. For the last few years the competition has been getting higher, we don’t have a clear leader. Every season there’s a new champion – everyone has a real chance to compete for the title. That’s why we have such an interesting championship. There are a lot of competitive games, sensations happen all the time. I especially like the second stage of the season, when the teams in both Groups are at the same level and there is a rivalry in every game.
– Are there any new stars or opening teams in the second stage of the season? Avtodor, for example, is asking for compliments with the winning streak.
– Now the important part of the season begins. The most important part will be later, when the play-in and then the Playoffs begin. Right now, teams are fighting for top spots in Groups, as the higher the place, the better chance teams have of home court advantage in the Playoffs. Let’s look back at last season – teams who play first at home won. It’s always easier to start at home. Teams are looking for their game – it’s hard to play at the same level all season. Some have more complicated travels, some have problems with injuries. Teams are scouting, signings period is not over. Some of the brightest stars probably haven’t changed, they’ve stayed the same as at the beginning of the season. The League’s best scorer Xavier Rathan-Mayes is now trying to prove that it’s no accident that Enisey is in the Top 6.
– The VTB United League is already catching up to the KHL in number of Canadian players participated. CSKA has Olivier Hanlan and MINSK guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson is the leading scorer besides Rathan-Mayes. Is it a surprise to you or Canadians are taking over the League?
– If they are high level Canadian players and arrive with high motivation to show their best, to help their teams, to decorate the League with a beautiful moments, I’m all for it. In general, it’s not so important what nationality the players are, if they’re high-level players, we’re always happy to see them in the VTB United League.
