OUR OPPONENT

VEF RIGA (LATVIA)

Founded in 1958
Team colors: black and white
Honors: Latvian League (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), Latvian League runner-up (2010, 2014, 2016), Baltic League runner-up (2011), Baltic League bronze (2012), USSR Championship bronze (1960, 1966, 1991)
Arena: Arena Riga (capacity – 11200)
President: Maris Martinsons
Official website: www.vefriga.com

Where to watch
LIVE: Match! Nash Sport (18:55, replay — October 9 at 06:00, 23:05), Sportbox.ru, VTB United League website
Text online: VTB United League website

PRE-GAME QUOTES

Dusko Ivanovic, BC Khimki head coach:

“Every time you start the first game is very important. Now we start against one strong team in VEF Riga. They play very good, quickly and aggressively. They have good shooters in Janis Blums and Kristopher Richard. VEF plays excellent in transition and offensive rebounds. I think we have to be ready to play for the first game. As for us, we feel good. We’ll see if Jacob Pullen is able to play”.

E.J. Rowland, BC Khimki guard:

“This is our first official game and everyone is gonna be really excited. It’s a very serious game and I expect us to do the things we’ve been working on. As for VEF, many people are out when I was there. Obviously, it will be special because I had a great year there. I’m really excited about starting with Khimki. For sure, it will be a great game to start”.