KRUTOUS: We know there’s a minimal chance. let’s go to the max

Pavlo Krutous, the forward of the Ukrainian basketball team, shared his impressions of the match they won against Iceland (79:72) in the 2023 World Championship qualifiers.

– What are your impressions after your victory over Iceland?

– First of all, I am very grateful to our team, our fans and everyone who participated in this window. It was successful for us because we got two wins. It was a tough match against Iceland but the important thing was that we won the match. Every victory is now an event for Ukraine. In the next window we understand what awaits us. We have a chance to go to the World Cup, but they are small.

– How did you manage to make a decisive breakthrough in the fourth quarter?

– Our goal percentage on the field was low, so we couldn’t turn the game – it was even. But at the end of the game, Sasha Lipovy and I made three-pointers and made the difference. We played a little more aggressively on defense and that was the main reason for our breakthrough.

– How important was this match after the loss to Iceland in overtime?

– This is a team in which it is difficult for us to play. They have an extraordinary staff, they run, they play chaotic. We couldn’t feel our game in Iceland, there were some very hasty shots and then five threes in a row. We were stronger at the end of the game in Riga and we won.

– How would you rate your game in this match?

– I like to have someone evaluate your game – a coach or analyst. But I took my shots and the most important thing was that we won. I was sure we were going to play aggressively, I was confident in my game. Coach trusted me, gave me minutes, and I’m grateful to myself for proving myself.

– How do we approach the final game window in February?

– The Spain and Iceland matches we lost were very important. These were the most important matches in all windows. We know there is a chance, but it’s minimal. We will set it to the maximum level. We have something to prove to ourselves, to all of Ukraine. In no case should we give up and win every match to have a good mood. Maybe this will be some kind of boost to our Armed Forces because I know a lot of guys out there follow basketball, football and other sports. That’s why we do all this especially for them.