EXCHANGE OF OPINIONS

Oleg Meleschenko:

— We go to Poland only for a victory. Any misfire can deprive us of the leadership in the group. After Prokom BC Khimki will play with Latvian VEF-Riga and Estonian Kalev. We'll try to make every effort to complete the regular VTB United League stage at a high place.

Our current opponent has done a lot of changes. Many basketball players have left, but one of the most notable players of the last season Qyntel Woods returned, a talented playmaker Thomas Adams, who spent so far only one but very effective meeting for a new team, has come.

As for our roster Travis Hansen has a big toe injury. Keith Langford is ready by 70-80 percent to his optimum shape. The previous game in Samara helped him feel the rhythm.

Thomas Kelati:

— It will be a very important game for us. Currently we are the leaders of VTB United League Group B, and a victory will allow us to feel ourselves confidently. This is a road meeting, and I am sure, the support of the Polish fans is going to be exorbitant. This game is too principle by the fact that, in Gdynia during this season within the bounds of Euroleague BC Khimki already played, and, unfortunately, was beaten by Prokom. But now we feel much better, the guys are well prepared, so we'll fight.

I know many Prokom players, some play for the national team of Poland. The roster of the opponent was corrected since our last meeting — 6 athletes were expelled, a couple of new ones — instead signed. The threat could come just from rookies — so that the match can go on an absolutely unpredictable scenario. Thomas Pacesas is a great coach, and the work of scouts is also at a high level.

I always go to Poland with a special feeling, because for me this country is the second home, the birthplace of my wife. Besides, I'll see my family, what can be better and more valuable? I not quite often visit Gdynia when I'm in Poland, since my relatives live in the south. My wife will support me, and hopefully a victory will give us confidence, as well as allow to consolidate the position of BC Khimki in the group B.


VISITING CARD

Asseco Prokom Gdynia (Gdynia, Poland)

Leagues: Polska Liga Koszykówki (PLK), Euroleague
Founded: 1995
History: Prokom Trefl (1995-2008), Asseco Prokom Sopot (2008-2009), Asseco Prokom Gdynia (2009-present)
Arena: Gdynia Sports Arena (capacity: 5,000)
Team colors: Yellow and Blue
Head coach: Tomas Pačėsas (since December 1, 2007)
Achievements:
Polish Championship (7): 2004-2010
Polish Cup (4): 2000, 2001, 2006, 2008
Website: http://asseco.prokom.pl

2-1 TO BC KHIMKI

During this season BC Khimki met with Asseco Prokom three times — twice in the Euroleague, and once in the first round of VTB United League. At home the Russian team achieved success, but the visit to Gdynia brought us a very sudden and painful loss. Last year the Moscow Region team also within the bounds of Euroleague won at home and lost on the road.

Euroleague 2010/11

October, 20. BC Khimki — Asseco Prokom — 82-76 (18-14, 19-21, 26-20, 19-21).

November, 24. Asseco Prokom — BC Khimki — 71-67 (12-12, 20-24, 16-12, 23-19)

VTB United League 2010/11

November, 14. BC Khimki — Asseco Prokom — 99-79 (19-10, 23-20, 28-15, 29-34)

Asseco Prokom rankes currently fourth in VTB United League Group B, but all the efforts of entering Final Four will be in vain. The only thing the Polish players may do — to make every effort and splendidly slam the door with the games against BC Khimki and Zalgiris.

Fixture list

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT

On Saturday, February 5 Asseco Prokom played a regular Polish Championship game with PBG Basket Poznań and beat the opponent — 86-73 (17-10, 26-23, 28-18, 15-22). The best player of the game became a rookie Thomas Adams, who scored 16 points. Another newcomer Qyntel Woods scored 10 points. Robert Witka and Adam Hrycaniuk scored 10 points each, Filip Videnov and Ratko Varda — also 8 points each, Daniel Ewing — 7.


TEAM ROSTER

№	Player	Position	Height	Birthday	Nationality
5	Daniel Ewing	G	191	1983	USA
7	Krzysztof Szubarga	G	178	1984	Poland
8	Filip Videnov	F	196	1980	Bulgaria
9	Łukasz Seweryn	F	196	1982	Poland
10	Thomas Adams	G	193	1980	USA
13	Mateusz Kostrzewski	F	201	1989	Poland
16	Adam Łapeta	C	217	1987	Poland
17	Przemysław Zamojski	G	193	1986	Poland
18	Robert Witka	F	205	1981	Poland
19	Przemysław Frasunkiewicz	F	202	1979	Poland
20	Piotr Szczotka	F	196	1981	Poland
21	Ratko Varda	C	213	1979	Bosnia
23	Courtney Eldridge	G	178	1980	USA
24	Qyntel Woods	G	203	1981	USA
30	Ronald Burrell	F	204	1983	USA
34	Adam Hrycaniuk	C	206	1984	Poland