Basketball club “Prometey” continues the series of pre-season interviews with the players. This time, we spoke with last season's star legionnaire, the American guard - DJ Kennedy.

 

- DJ, we are very happy to welcome you back to our team. The first question is quite obvious - what is behind your decision to return to “Prometey”?

 

- I think, first of all, it is the chemistry that I managed to build with the team last season. I know everyone, I know the coach. I feel comfortable in this team, with those Ukrainian players who have now returned to the team, with this coaching staff.

 

- When did you make this decision? Were the negotiations long or did everything work out quickly?

 

- No, it was quite a long time. I studied the offers I had, but decided to go back - again, I felt comfortable. Just being well acquainted with everyone who works in the club.

 

- Was this awareness a decisive factor in returning at this particular time? Because it is clear that the situation in Ukraine is quite complicated now, there is a war, anything can happen, and we already had a certain situation in March... Was the fact that you are well acquainted with the team the key to a positive decision?

 

- Yes. Exactly.

- Are there any concerns about this?

 

- No, there are no any worries. We will play in another country. I don't think this moment will affect us in any way. I have no fear. I understand the whole situation, everything that Ukrainians are going through now. I support you in your struggle as much as I can. And I will do everything for our team to win.

 

- You touched on this topic a little, but I can't help but ask you about the events that are currently happening in our country, in my country, in the country where, in fact, the BC “Prometey” comes from. What do you think about this crazy war?

 

- It is difficult. I was in Ukraine yet before everything started, it was as if I was a part of the whole country. Therefore, I support my brothers from the team and our fans in every possible way. All I can do now is to give 100% support to all Ukrainians.

 

- Another clear topic: the last season did not end as we all would have liked for “Prometey”, and for all Ukrainian basketball. What do you recall from those times - the end of February, March? If you go back in time, what feelings did you have then?

 

- Please specify what time we are talking about.

 

- I mean the beginning of the war. "Prometey" went to the athering in the Czech Republic, played one match there, then it was decided to end the season...

 

- It was a situation of that kind when you don't know what to expect. You are just trying to live here and now. We were in Ukraine in the days when the war was approaching. There was no panic, no fear, no problems. Of course, we read the media, but the people around us were calm and tried to convey this calmness to us.

But now we see how the situation was, and it is still very difficult for me to believe that everything turned out this way. It is unbelievable that all this happened and is happening.

 

- One more question about last year's team. Most people, both from the team and members of the staff, called her special. What specific aspects do you think made that team so special?

 

- Chemistry, I think. Any special team need to have that chemistry between the players and the coaching staff. We had this connection. And it does not matter whether we are talking about the starting five or the last players on the bench - everyone respected each other. There werevery good partners who tried to give joy to each other. It kept the team together, even in difficult times when we faced challenges. Beautiful people, beautiful energy - that's what made us special.

 

- What did you feel when you found out that "Prometey" is restarting the project and would play next season? Not even considering the fact that you were supposed to return to the team. What were the first emotions after hearing the news?

 

- I was very happy for everyone involved. In such times, when everything is very difficult in Ukraine, to bring something positive means a lot. Therefore, I am very happy to return to fight not only for the team and the club, but also for Ukraine, to give people at least a piece of hope and positivity. I will proudly continue to represent club and country next year.

 

- Despite the fact that we are talking at the beginning of August, the composition of the team for the next season has already been formed. Six players, including you, return to “Prometey”. What are the first thoughts that appear when looking at this composition?

 

- I think, we have a very strong roster. Of course, it is different from the last year’s one. Yes, there are six players from last year, but it is impossible to completely replace that line-up. That composition was special. However, looking ahead, I think the club has done a great job of renewing the squad. This roster could also become very special. I'm really looking forward to playing with these guys, fighting together with them and reaching the heights that we couldn't reach last year when everything stopped. I think we can do it.

 

- Did you discuss your return with the guys from last year's team?

 

- Yes of course. We are always in touch. As I said, not many teams keep in touch with each other after the season. But what we went through together last year really brought us together, and that bond remains. We communicate. Even with those guys who didn't come back to us this year. It really influenced my decision to return to “Prometey” - I really wanted to play with my brothers again, to get back to that special feeling of brotherhood. It's very cool.

- Do you know anything about the newcomers of the team? Of course, there are Ukrainian players who you played against last season. But there is also Clavell, and Agada, and Balvin, and Hogue. You crossed paths with some of them last season. What is your opinion about them?

 

- I know Dustin Hogue well. We were in the same team with him in Turkey. Yes, he couldn't play then, but we were together. I know him well, I know what he can give to the team, a very nice guy, he gives himself on the court. I know Clavell: I played against him in Ukraine, I played against him in Turkey. I am only familiar with these two out of all newcomers.

 

- Tell us about the last part of the previous season. All the players signed contracts with new teams - you went to Israel, played very well there. Tell us how it was in Israel, what was achieved, did it match your expectations?

 

- I joined the team very late. In general, I have great respect for the Israeli clubs that agreed to accept us in that period of the season. They treated me very well, did everything to make me feel comfortable, to feel like I was on my own place. Very good time there, very good experience. We made it to the playoffs, everything was fine. Good coaching staff, strong players. Very good time for me. I liked everything, the team played well, I managed to end the season on a positive note.

 

- Summer is ending now. How did you spend it, how did you spend your free time and have you returned to work yet?

 

- Yes, I have already returned to work. To be honest, I didn't really stop. Now I'm keeping fit, keeping my body in shape to be ready for the training camp. I don't overexert myself, because I want to be fresh at the start of training.

As for free time, I tried to spend as much time as possible with my family. The break between seasons was not long, so I tried to make the most of these opportunities.

 

- Are there specific aspects of the game that you would like to improve?

 

- At this stage of the career, at this age, it is already everything about the body. To keep it, to be healthy, to keep the body in its best form. This is, in a good sense, a routine — all training, development of certain skills. Right now, I'm focused on keeping my body in shape and avoiding injuries - I have a long season ahead of me.

 

- Next season, “Prometey” will play in two new tournaments as for a club. But EuroCup is a new tournament for you. There will also be a LEBL. What can you say about the level of these competitions and what are your expectations of the games in these two different environments?

 

- I am not so familiar with LEBL, but of course I know EuroCap. It is one of the best tournaments in Europe, next to Euroleague and BCL. We all understand that it will not be easy for us at this level of basketball. But, as I said, the club has done a geat job of building the squad, and this squad will fight.

- A logical question after that: what are your goals for the next season, both personal and team?

 

- One goal is to continue to be successful. I think that myself, the partners and the club, as a whole, have an interest in us achieving the goals that we failed to achieve last season. It can be a victory in the EuroCup, or a victory in the LEBL. For me, it is to continue the success of last year. As for me, I had a strong season. If I can continue this trend, it will be great for me.

 

- In conclusion, say a few words to our fans, who are very happy to see you again in our colours and, of course, are waiting for the new season.

 

- I am very happy to return, especially considering what is happening in Ukraine. Of course, I am waiting for fierce basketball battles. I promise “Prometey” fans and all basketball fans in Ukraine to give everything I have on the court. All of us who have returned to the team, or who will be new to it, will represent not only ourselves, but also the BC “Prometey”, the city, the whole country. This is very exciting. We will fight for the country and the club.

Yes, we will not be playing in Ukraine, but we will try to give our fans at least a little bit of positivity at this time. I'm already looking forward to how our fans will support us. If they can be with us despite the long distance, that will be great.

 

-Thank you, DJ, for your time, thanks for the answers. And we are waiting for you on the court in the "Prometey" uniform.