— I like this match, — said the Euroleague General Director. — It is noticeable, that the level of Khimki is higher, but Benetton plays with dignity.Basketball, that we watch today, is of Euroleague level. Only the names of players are worth a lot – Delfino, Garbajosa, Palacio, Soragna… And coaches? Sergio Scariolo and Oktay Mahmuti are among best coaches of Europe.

What can you say about the atmosphere on the match?
— I am impressed by the atmosphere. The sold-out stadium, fans support very well teams. Everything is on the high level. But I expected to find so great atmosphere in Basketball Center of Moscow Region.

Is it your first visit to Khimki?
— Yes. Frankly speaking, earlier I wasn’t a frequent guests on the Eurocup matches. Now we are going to extend the format of Euroleague. And I should visit the matches of clubs-pretenders. Among them, of course, BC Khimki and Benetton.


When the decision about new format will be made?
— In February, but the exact date I can’t say. We want that there will be more delegates from different countries and the decision became impartial.