It is difficult to imagine a more successful debut at the European Championship than that of our Illia Sydorov. On September 2, Illia appeared for only 6 minutes, during which he scored 10(!) points with 100% effectiveness. In addition,on September 3, he won a match for Ukraine, where the National team never led, and incredible rebound and shot by Sydorov brought victory to the blue-yellow team in the last seconds. And of course, Illia, as the main hero of the match, represented the Ukrainian National basketball team at the press conference. When the journalists finished asking questions, Illia asked the presenter to speak to say the words that are important to him and every Ukrainian:
"I want to thank the people in Ukraine who watched the match. I know a lot of guys who are now fighting for our country and watching our games. It is a great honor. We talk about you, we think about you every day while we are here. And I hope all this will be over as soon as possible. Once again, I thank everyone who continues to fight for Ukraine. I believe that the war will end."
After the official, English-speaking part, the club press service also spoke with our hero.
- Illia, congratulations! What are the feelings and emotions after such a victory?
- Incredible feelings. We are happy to have won these two games. This is very important for us. We will keep fighting in the next matches.
- This is your first adult European Championship. What are your impressions?
- Everything is very interesting - great players, great names. I am very glad that I was able to get into the National team application. We play high-quality basketball, in my opinion. I believe that everything is just beginning for us.
- Today, you are a real hero of Ukrainian basketball. Probably, you understand what moment at the end of the match I am talking about. Share, please, your feelings.
- Such a throw for the first time in my career. This is kind of luck. I saw that someone blocked Sviat's shot, everyone was looking at the basket, expecting the ball to bounce. I just saw that the ball can’t reach the hoop. I caught it and scored two points.
- The national team of Ukraine has two victories in two games. On Sunday you have a rest day, and on Monday you play with Italy, who you play with on August 24 in the World Cup qualifications and watched their game against the Estonians on September 2 here, in Milan. What can you say now about Italians? Can you beat them?
- One hundred percent, we will play only to win. In Riga, we gave them, let’s say, a won match, all along of which we led by 10-12 points. We are the only ones to blame for the defeat. Therefore, I think, if I can put it this way, in terms of the match on September 5, it was good for us to lose that match in Riga, as we are angry with them and we want to take revenge.
- At the press conference, you said nice, warm words for Ukrainians. Could you repeat them now in Ukrainian, to address those in Ukraine.
-Of course, I thank everyone who watches our games. I know, many guys on the front line watch our matches, write to me. It's very pleasant, it motivates us. A huge thank to everyone who defends our country, to everyone who remains in Ukraine and believes in victory until the end. I believe that victory will definitely be ours. Thank you!
