Ilya TYRTYSHNYK: “I was surprised that I was called to the national team of Ukraine”

Budivelnyk defender Ilya Tirtishnik commented on his call to the Ukraine national team against the Netherlands and Iceland for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers:

“I was very surprised to be called up to the national team of Ukraine, I did not expect an invitation. But when I received the challenge, of course I proudly accepted it and I look forward to my chance. The atmosphere in the team is very good, all the guys are positive and looking forward to the game. We will try to show our best in the upcoming matches.

Training in the national team of Ukraine is really similar to training in the Kyiv-Basket under the leadership of Ainars. Of course there are differences, but the coaching philosophy is the same as at the club.

Playtime at Budivelnik? I am very sorry that I did not get match time at the club, but it does not bother me and I continue to train and prove that I am worthy of match time. Playtime doesn’t affect my gameplay – Waiting for my luck.

In the national team, we try to play fast and smart in training because a coach always needs it. We want to show such basketball in the upcoming games. Of course, some guys play with each other longer and understand each other better. But everyone else has been playing basketball for a long time too, and even during these few practices they get along well on the court.

As for the first opponent, the Dutch team has three good little players on which the game is built. We are preparing for them. They play area defense occasionally but if we play fast that shouldn’t be a problem for us.

Compared to EuroBasket, of course, the team’s roster has changed, but this does not prevent us from showing ourselves and playing for Ukraine! Everyone is hungry for victories and of course we have a responsibility to our country and nation because of the war!”