About two seasons in NCAA and failure to get into «Top-60» of players on NBA-2010 draft, about emotional Lithuanian coach Rimas Kurtinaitis and magnificent architecture of Riga — in the interview of Artem Parahovsky to our web — site.

— The match against «Zalgiris» for VEF turned out to be very intense, and your team was close to victory, more than ever …
— Before the match against «Zalgiris» our head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis did big job – we carefully analyzed not only strengths and weaknesses of the opponent, but also things that could help us to win the opponent. On the match with Lithuanians we came out with fire in our eyes that allowed us to take the lead from the first minutes.

But «Zalgiris» – is «Zalgiris». We have to admit that the ending of the match was dictated by the Lithuanian team. Because of tiredness we began to make losses and shot our balls, which ultimately affected the outcome of the score — alas, not in our favor. But despite the defeat, we could learn a lesson from this game and in the future will try to avoid such errors. In two remaining matches (VEF has played with the Polish «Asseco Prokom» in the 10 — th round — approx. site) we are waiting for a very serious opponents – «Khimki» and «Azovmash».

— Artem, in the match against «Zalgiris» you quickly earned four fouls, but eventually managed to play till the end of the game and did double-double...
— Fast fouls – is one of my problems and I'm struggling with this problem. What is the reason for that? First of all – it is my American style of play. In America basketball is more contact and referees permit centers to play more rigidly. In Europe the situation is quite different, and at first it was difficult for me to get used to it. VEF promotes an aggressive style of defense, and this often leads to rapid gaining of my personal fouls. But the game with «Zalgiris» showed that I have finally started to play more cautiously. I hope that in the next match I will not have to leave the area because of five fouls.

— To speak about America, how did you get there?
— I have started to play basketball in Belarus when I was 15. I was a tall guy and changed football (not American, of course) to basketball. I came to basketball late enough therefore basic game elements were not so easy for me. But I tried and as a result I was noticed by coaches of youth team of Belarus. Later I had an opportunity to continue my education in America. As I had problems with the language, it was necessary to study in college for two years. And only after that I became the student of university «Redford» the State of Virginia.

— What about your career in NCAA?
— I played two years in the best student's basketball league in the world. These seasons were very good for me. In the NCAA everything is on the highest level

— Did you wish to propose your candidacy for NBA draft?
— In summer 2010 I did it, but, unfortunately, my name was not included in the list of «Top-60» players. Of course, at first it was disappointing, but not a tragedy. I'm still young and all very good in basketball I hope is ahead for me.

— Was it difficult to decide to leave America and move to Europe?
— Actually, not. I am European and I understand and close to the European style of play. So the desire to play in Europe closer to home was normal. After consulting with agent, we decided that I should play few years in European teams, gain experience, and improve my individual performance. And then I can return to America. To be honest NBA — is a dream and I aspire to it

— And why did you choose VEF?
— There were offers from other clubs, but I immediately liked VEF, and I had heard about talented coach Kurtinaitis. So now I'm playing in VEF. And absolutely do not regret about my choice.

— This season, in fact, is your first on a professional level, isn’t it?
— Yes, this is my first this season. Initially, I was worrying how the team will accept me and whether I would be useful for the club. But in the end everything turned out well. I felt support of the coach and players, so my adaptation was very successful.

— The emotional behavior of Rimas Kurtinaytis is well known for everyone. Is it confusing for you personally during the games?
— Its only urging me on actions on the court. Especially because the coach wants us only good and professional growth for us. I really like the way Rimas Kurtinaytis directs the training process and works individually with players. I like the discipline and atmosphere in the team. As for emotions of the coach it does not surprise me. In America, I had to deal with emotional mentors repeatedly and it didn’t affect my play negatively.

— How do you like living in Riga? You probably already have favorite place in this city …
— Actually there is a number of such places. Riga – is a very beautiful ancient city with magnificent architecture. I like everything here.

— Do people often approach you on the street to take an autograph?
— Did not approach yet (laughs). Riga, as well as Minsk – is a hockey city. This sport here is on the first place. But I hope that with our game we will change the situation!