A point guard and captain of “Prometey” and the national team of Ukraine Denys Lukashov, in an interview to the press-service of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine, commented on the performance of the national team in the match against Iceland (79:72).
-What are you impressions of the match against Iceland?
-We a glad to come off this difficult victory. We realised that the team of Iceland plays very peculiar basketball. We felt that when we on the road lost in overtime. We tried to focus on it, to work on our mistakes; some things were changed already during the match. And eventually we obtained very difficult but so needed victory for our national team. We have no right to make any mistakes, we just have to win in order to keep chances on entering the World Cup.
-Was there a particular desire to take a revenge after the loss in Iceland?
-For sure, we were very upset with that defeat and felt ashamed. We could not believe in defeat when we came into the locker room after the match with Iceland. Therefore, today we were adjusted only to win.
-Due to what it became possible to register a spurt in the fourth quarter and snatch victory?
-Probably, only thanks to the aggressive defense. We prepared a special defense against their leader Elvar Fridriksson. Looking at his percentage of realisation, as well as the indicator of his partner on the back line, I am sure we did our job. Defense gave us opportunities for fast breaks and three-point shots when we got open throws.
-How can you assess your own actions, in particular, at the end of the game when fatigue was already felt?
-Indeed, I got very tired during this game. Unfortunately, Illia Sydorov had to end this match early due to the injury. I believe, it was a crucial moment, as we did not have another point guard to help. However, there was no another chance, I had to endure and continue playing.
-What are you impressions of the team performance in November?
-We reached our goal, obtained all needed victories, which, unfortunately, could not do in summer. No matter, who comes to the national team, what is really matters, who and how is adjusted and what the player is ready to do in order to win. The guys came and proved they are ready to do their best to achieve the main goal and win.
