BC Khimki’s new Head Coach, Russell BERGMAN, was of course happy with the outcome, and though he knows his boys are notably superior to the opponent, he admits:

— It was difficult for the team to prepare for battle, due to the great gap in the level. But during a significant part, the boys mustered it. Nonetheless, we all know the defense was far from ideal.

— I am confident that we will demonstrate a greater level of defense in the upcoming and all-important game against the Bulgarian Academic. This is why I let all the basketball players play, and all, except for Levter, scored points. On Sunday we begin preparing for the ULEB Cup game.


Russell, in the second half, when no one was concerned as to the remainder of the game, you asked for a few time-outs. Was this to motivate the team; force them to work defense?

— You are right. The players lost a bit of their concentration. And, having a significant advantage on the board, they slacked off a bit in the defensive plays, letting the opponent gain perhaps too much. During the breaks, I tried to take them to fight for each ball. The team can’t relax even when in the lead. They have to manage their “killer instinct” in the sport.


Besides this point, what else do you plan to change in the team?

— Undoubtedly, each coach has his own point of view regarding the game. But, having worked with Elevich, I learned something from him, and some of it is my own know-how. Of course, I will change some things regarding the defense, some things in the offense, though no radical changes will be made.

The coach for Standart, Vladimir TRUNOV recognized that his team played against a superior team than his own, not only consolidated, but also in its class. The visiting team’s coach was surprised at the home team’s motivation, and considers that:

— In general the teams don’t prepare that way for an outsider. They don’t attack in that manner, and don’t defend that way. This motivation by Khimki didn’t allow us to show the game that we have prepared for.