In Thursday morning The National Team without Khvostov and Kurbanov departed for Latvia, where the second training season will pass and Kirilenko, Khryapa and Holden will join the team. Before the departure BC Khimki player Nikita SHABALKIN gave his impression on first round of preparation.

— I am not a newcomer in the Blatt National team. Last year I was called up too. And I was ready for the intensive work. Of course, the first days were difficult. But some trainings helped players to get accustomed to the schedule. Every day I feel more comfortable.

On each position 3-4 players pretend to. Is this fact stimulating you?

— The big competition for the place forces players to show their best.

How do you think the early start of training will help to prepare for the club s season?

— After the leave we were in poor shape. And the start of training helps keep fit. The European Championship will come to the end before the Russian Championship will start. We will have plenty of time to switch over it.