The CSKA guard talked about the unstoppable Shved, his friend Ovechkin and the League’s most dangerous shooters in an exclusive interview with VTB-League.com.
– Is the Khimki rivalry still a big deal for you?
– Yes, of course. This will always be an exciting, big-time rivalry. And not just for me, but for everybody on the court and the fans. The Leningradka derby is already a classic.
– Last year’s semifinal series against Khimki wasn’t easy, despite ultimately finishing 3-0 in CSKA’s favor…
– Khimki had a chance to prepare for the series, while we were playing in the EuroLeague Final Four. I remember the first game was the toughest one. We ended up winning by only three points.
This time everything’s flipped. We’re the ones with extra time to prepare for the showdown.
– Do you think Khimki is more dangerous than it was last season?
– It’s hard to say, though if you look at the team’s results last season and this season, it’s clear they showed progress. Alexey Shved has been playing at an unbelievable level and the team reached its goal of qualifying for the EuroLeague. Now Khimki can play without any pressure in the Finals, which could be an advantage for them.
Obviously, Khimki, especially on offense, is 80% dependent on Shved. We’re preparing for that and watching film. Even if he scores 30 points, but Khimki loses, that’s okay. The important thing is for CSKA to win, but, of course, we’ll do everything possible to shut down Shved. He’s the primary threat on Khimki’s roster.
–
– A lot of people are saying the Zenit – Khimki series was the best in League history. Did you watch?
– It was definitely the best series this season, but you could argue about whether or not it was the best ever. I remember some great matchups in previous seasons. For example, when I still played for Khimki in 2012-13, we lost 3-2 to CSKA in the semifinals, even though we could have won…
– Snipers are really important in modern basketball. Who do you think are the toughest to stop in the VTB United League?
– I’d single out two players: Ryan Toolson and Matt Janning.
– Would you take them on in a three-point contest?
– Of course. I’m sure it would be a fun event. But I don’t know who’d win.
– Do you know who’s Khimki all-time scoring leader in the VTB United League?
– Me, I think. No? Sergey Monia? Not surprising. He’s been on the team for more than seven years already, which is great. But I think Shved will catch him soon.
– Keith Langford briefly passed you for the all-time scoring lead in the VTB United League this season. Do you follow those stats?
– I don’t follow myself, but our press officer tracks various records and accomplishments. I found out from him that I’m still in 1st place for career points scored in the League.
– By the way, you’re only 28 away from your 2000th point in the VTB United League…
– 2000 is a nice number. Let’s hope I reach the mark before the end of this season. Although the team’s results always come first.
– You’ll be the oldest player at the national team camp this summer. Do you feel like a veteran already?
– Only when teammates joke around with me and tell me I’m past 30. Physically, I don’t feel like a veteran. At this age, I think players start reaching their peak, given they’re able to combine being in good shape with a certain level of experience.
– What does the national team mean to you?
– The national team is life. I love Russia and am really proud I can play for the national team. As long as I’m in good shape, I’ll always compete for the national team.
– There are a lot of new faces on the national team. Which of the young players do you think can reach the next level and earn regular playing time on the team?
– I hope Misha Kulagin earns a spot. He’s been great in CSKA practices and has every chance to be on the national team for a long time.
– It’s no secret you’re friends with Alexander Ovechkin. How long have you known each other? Where did you meet?
– To be honest, I don’t know how it happened. Probably at some event, but don’t know where exactly… I can only say that Sasha and I have known each other for a long time!
– Will Alexander Ovechkin come to a game in Khimki to support you and the team?
– You need to ask him, but I think if he has time, he’ll definitely come. Sasa loves basketball. He’d go anywhere to support CSKA, especially if we’re talking about the finals.
– If someone invited you to play in a hockey exhibition game, would you agree?
– I love hockey, but I’m still pretty bad on skates, so it’s a little early to talk about exhibitions. Once Ovechkin teaches me to be confident on the ice, then I can play!
– Whose else from the world of sports and showbiz do you hang out with?
– It’s a long list. It’d take a long time to nane everyone. As for someone specific, I’m very close with singer Alexander Tarasov, who’s better known as T-killah.
– You were recently in one of Amiran Sardarov’s hugely popular YouTube videos. Do you watch his channel?
– Yeah, we talk a lot. He’s a great guy. Nobody believed in him, but he was able to reach his goals and now he’s getting incredible ratings. I’m happy for him.
– Are there other bloggers that you follow?
– Nikita Kurbanov told me about Yury Dud and his celebrity interviews. I still haven’t watched any, though, to be honest. I love watching Russian TV shows in my free time. The second season of “The Rublevka Cop” recently came out. It cracks me up.
– NBA star Kevin Durant also opened a YouTube channel and already has a million subscribers. Have you thought about shooting your own videos?
– No, I’ve never really wanted to. I don’t care too much about subscribers, either. To be honest, I’d rather stay out of the limelight and attract less attention.
– Have you ever thought about what you’ll do after you retire?
– Right now I don’t have any plans or even initial thoughts. I think I’ll hang on for another 5-6 years. After that, I’ll get serious about what I should do next.
– If not CSKA and Khimki, then…?
– Vacation!
