Not only is the hiatus in Khimki’s game calendar quite drawn on -despite this being the case for several clubs — it has also been difficult to find another team against which to partake in some sparring, thus BC Khimki’s directorate was happy to reply to the Siberian request.
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The arena was empty of spectators, in order to keep it as similar to a training practice, albeit the scoreboard marking points and the game clock ticking.

The match, in two halves and an overtime, as Coach Kemzura said after the siren blow, was to let the boys that usually sit it out on the bench have some game time. There were 13 players on the roster for the game, and even the score was noted down in a different way.

There was a lot of spirit in the Khimki team. Lampe was abounding in the rebounds and some outstanding inside shots, while McCarty and Veremeenko made the opponent’s defense squirm. Effective and diverse combinations were the order as Veremeenko gave a few slam dunks. Some thunder was heard from Wolkowiski not only in the rebounds but also fro the outside shots and Savkov made some fast breaks scoring through the lofty arms of Pavel Podkolzin. Rookie Alexei Shved also made himself heard.

Khimki’s players won, but more importantly is that they were able to comply with the tasks assigned to them, which later were expounded upon by Coach Kestutis KEMZURA.

The main task for this game was to maintain the athletic conditions or try out new combinations?

— I would say both. In the end it’s always better to play an opponent than to play against your own team mates in practice sessions. New opponents bring new emotions.

Did you give the team some concrete tasks to carry out for this match?

— Yes, undoubtedly. Focus on the defense and the offense.

Are you happy with the results?

— In general yes. The second half was not as focused as the first, but that could be due to the fiery and large scores on the board… though this relaxed reaction is a defect. I hope to see the team motivated, even when the boards let them lay back. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the coach and players from Novosibirsk for having accepted this friendly game and overtime.

Was it your initiative to leave the scoring aside after the second half?

— Yes, because I wanted them to continue to be motivated. When you start from the beginning, it makes you want to win anew.

Was this game necessary for the opponent, or an exception?

— I had spoken to the Lokomotiv’s coach and they thought this game would be good from them as well. They have a lot of young players for whom this experience would be a positive one. But, this was, as I have said, our initiative.

You wanted to observe all the player’s performances, were you focused on any given situations?

— I wanted to see the combinations among the players who don’t have much playing time on court, giving them more game time. I moved all the men, and as a result all the team members got some playing time.

To round this off, how is Gorenc doing?

— He wants to get back in form. I think he even worked a bit excessively, and will be getting less time now. I think in some 10 days we’ll be able to count on him again.