Ainars BAGATSKIS: “I am happy for all experienced players”

Head coach of Ukraine national basketball team Ainars Bagatskis commented on the 79:72 win over Iceland in the World Cup qualifiers:

“As you all know, there have been a lot of changes in the team – seven new players compared to the European Championship application. I am really happy for all the experienced players in these matches, who really gave their all in this window and showed what Ukraine means to them – Kravtsov, Lipovy, Lukashov.

As for the match, it wasn’t easy because Iceland plays basketball unusual for Europe. They have a real ‘big’ and use ‘paint’ in every action except ‘paint’.

For this reason, it was necessary to play well on offense, to make the right decisions, to look for good shots, to return to the defense without false rebounds and interference. After all, playing in transitions is their best. Not all defenders are very good shooters, but they shoot when they see the basket.

We slightly changed our defensive play compared to what we had in Reykjavik, against Fridriksson, the team leader who “kicked our ass” at the time. We played more aggressively and 2 out of 12 shots show that it was the right decision.

I am happy for the team, I am grateful to all the players. I wish immediate freedom to Europe and Ukraine.”