We continue the series of pre-season interviews with players of the basketball club “Prometey”. This time, we conversed with the newcomer of "Prometey", a player of the National team of Ukraine, who recently returned from EuroBasket - Issuf Sanon.

- Issuf, congratulations! How are you? How are you doing?

-Everything is OK. Came from EuroBasket, still recovering. I had an injury there. Not very serious - I twisted my ankle. However, I have been working in the main group since Tuesday. I am gradually getting back to shape and condition.

- What can you say about the squad of "Prometey", about the partners who you will play with side by side? A friendly match with “Ventspils” was played. You didn't play, but you watched this game. What are your impressions?

- It is difficult to say something, because we have a team of a different level compared to this opponent. But we can't relax, because any player knows that being unfocused, expecting to win easily can play a bad joke on you. That is why we have to set ourselves up for every game as if we are playing against “Real” Madrid. I know this for sure. Regarding the roster. For me, this is the first such experience – to play in such a strong team, with such strong partners. Therefore, I am really looking forward to the start of the official season. I wonder how I will look against my teammates, what it's like to play with basketball players of this level, where any players on the team are interchangeable, all of them are of a very high level. Honestly, I am excited. All my emotions are positive. The roster is very strong. A very good team, in my opinion.

-I want to discuss the game Ukraine - Poland at EuroBasket. In your opinion, what was lacked to win?

- I think we weren’t focused. Our shot selection was not very good. And of course, we didn't follow the coach's instructions for the game. There were some moments that we did not cope with. They allowed the opponent to score easy points, allowed to make three-pointers. And of course, luck, no matter how it sounds. We should have scored some easy goals in that match, like the opponents did. I believe that if we had scored at least one, it would have been easier for us to play. However, it is what it is. Everyone thought that Poland would be expelled, but they showed that they are capable of and played for third place. If Poland took 4th place at EuroBasket, I think the question of how we could lose to such a weak team will disappear. It turned out that this weak team took so high place, beating the champions of Europe. They showed that when you are written off, what a whole team can do, not one person, not two or three, but a team as a whole.

- On the eve of the match with the Polish National team, it was heard that after the Poles, Luka Doncic is already waiting for Ukraine. Like, Poland is such a team that we will break through like a steppe breeze. Were there similar feelings among of the team the day before the match with Poland?

- I cannot say that we thought so. It was in my head that we are able, we can, and we must do it. I think every player realised that. We came out to every game like that. For us, the match with Poland wasn’t kind of different, we were setting up for it the same way as for others, thinking that we must win 100%. Yes, we were energised. Everyone was wandering that we could handle this opponent. We had to win, we could, we wanted to. Of course, the result suggests the opposite, but we could and should have to.

- What were the general impressions of EuroBasket?

- I wanted more. Not in the meaning of how I personally played, but I wanted the team to go further. Of course, any player sets before himself not only team, but also personal goals. And I believe that I will show that this was not my maximum, but only the beginning of my game. I just started to feel the rhythm and everything else and I think, at the next EuroBasket everything will be much more interesting.
 

- This is your first EuroBasket. Did you have the feeling that you are one of the key players of the National team? After all, many people think so. And your feelings, your self-confidence also testified to this. Did you have the feeling that you, Issuf Sanon, were the person who could make a difference on the court?

- I always feel that way. In any team, wherever I play. Because I don't see the point of playing basketball any other way. At EuroBasket, we played as a team. And those who know me can say that I have changed a lot. Not only outside, there were inner changes as well. I was very happy to make assists when some of my partners scored. I felt like I was a key player, but it was all because of the energy that the rest of the guys emitted. Without them, I wouldn't be like this. Everything came from the team, from the way the team helped me.

- In your opinion, have you and other young basketball players brought something new to the game of the National team?

- Yes, 100 percent. I believe that in any team, when restructuring begins, there are people who are still at a good level, but because of their age they cannot continue playing as it was before. Even if you are 32, you understand that you will not be in shape for the next EuroBasket or you can finish your career. Therefore, it is logical to accept young people who can be worse, but able to improve for the future.
 

- You played for many national teams - adolescent, youth, with different coaches, at different tournaments. What are your impressions of the team chemistry within the Bagatskis team?

- I say that it was my best team in terms of team chemistry, the way I spent time, the way we communicated with each other. In the youth teams, we were the same age, on the same wave. There is an age difference here, maybe not everyone understands the jokes. However, for me this is the best experience in the team.

- Issufe, you are the number one humourist in the national team. Who is number two?

- In this National team, I would say that Pustovyy is number one, and I am number two. I take off my hat to Artem. He is, of course, a businessman. In this sport, he knows how to prove himself, I will say frankly.

- Is there number three?

- Tkachenko. I would put him in third place.

-What kind of person is Ainars Bagatskis? How does he treat the players in the locker room, in daily life? Is it comfortable to communicate with him?

- I think everyone understands that each player has a different relationship with the coach. If I say something about him, any other player can say that I'm lying, because everyone has a different vision of the situation. We are all humans, every single person cannot have the same attitude. It is so in any team. In general, Ainars is calm. You can rarely hear obscenities or shouts from him. He explains everything calmly. Comparing to other foreign coaches I have worked with, Ainars is very calm.
 

- Is his behaviour different in life and on the court?

- One hundred percent. He is very focused during games. In life, he is cheerful, likes to sit and chat, to tell a story from his life. Like me, he is a bit of a "chatterbox". A very easygoing person.

- Now, we will move from the National team to club affairs. How did your cooperation with “Prometey” originate and why did you choose this particular club to continue your career and were there any other options?

- I could have ended up in "Prometey" a couple of years ago, but since I have a Dnipro heart, and I am from "Dnipro", it was simply impossible. I think everyone who follows Ukrainian basketball knows why. I wanted to, but the Dnipro heart did not really allow it. I think, considering the war, all questions have disappeared. We are all one Ukraine. The team is playing in the EuroCup, the coach is good, I am Ukrainian, so difficult situation now, the war. I had other options, they were good, they were on a par with “Prometey”, but there were no better ones. I am very impressed by the “Prometey” coach, because he is a coach who has reached certain summits, has been to the Olympics, and has a name. If he wants me to play in his team, I think that at my age (although I'm only 22, but I feel that year by year I'm getting closer to my peak) I have to stop being an eternal prospect and become a more serious player. I think that at EuroBasket I showed that if you believe in me, I can be a player who can lead the team. But I still need to be worked with. I understand it myself. Ginzburg is exactly the person who will be able to work with me, to find the key to how to work with me. I want to say in an interview at the end of the season that I have become much stronger. And so that not only I think so, but also the people around me.

- After coming back from EuroBasket, did you personally talk to Ronen Ginzburg? Maybe he told you about your role in the team?

- Yes, he told me what he requires from me. To go under the hoop in the same aggressive way, to create moments not only for myself, but also for my partners.

- You already said today that the country has become as one fist. When the full-scale invasion happened, how did you react?

- I am from Donetsk. I was born there, lived there until 2014. Then my parents moved to Kyiv, I moved to Dnipro. It was easy for me. Then I felt like I was in a movie. We went immediately when the hostilities began, I did not see anything special. The day before February 24, 2022, I had a conversation with a friend who said that a war would begin. I replied "what war in the 21st century?". Everyone understands that eventually everything will come to peace, but during the war, so many lives will be broken, so many futures. I didn't believe until the last moment. When the war started, I was in Ukraine, I didn't go to the match with Spain because of an ankle injury. I did not believe that I would have to move for a second time because someone wanted to come to my country and impose something on me. Thanks God I don't have kids at the moment. I cannot imagine how people who have children do not have the financial opportunity to go somewhere. I can't even imagine what the mothers and children went through. It can leave such imprints in children's minds that I can't even imagine. The previous time - in 2014 - I was still a child, I did not understand anything, how much easier it was then. I would not wish anyone to leave their native home twice in their life. Donetsk is Ukraine and will remain Ukraine, but I no longer remember my home, what my friends looked like, the memory blocks the bad things and events. I am sure we will win! Glory to Ukraine and Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
 

-Glory to heroes! You finished the previous season with the Lithuanian "Shauliai". In the very first match for this club, you scored 30 points and immediately became an important player in the club's rotation. Matches were played against giants of Lithuanian basketball – “Zalgiris” and “Letuvos Ritas”. Tell us about this stage of your career.

- I had so many things on my mind then. I was so angry. Everyone experiences difficult moments differently. I wanted to come out to the court and destroy. It doesn't matter who is there against me - my friend, my brother, Antetokounmpo Giannis. I'm speaking figuratively! Now the Greeks will start writing to me in private... I respect Antetokounmpo and love him. I didn't care if it was Zalgiris or the last team, I wanted to come out and destroy them. For the first time, I felt this energy of mine with my fingertips, I felt how much hatred and anger was in me. Even my teammates told me that I had crazy energy, like I drank 20 cans of energy drink. The energy quickly ran out, it was enough for a couple of matches. It was difficult for me both mentally and physically. But it was a great experience for me. I played against a Euroleague team! Probably, 60% of my confidence at EuroBasket depended on my stay at “Shauliai”. I realised that I can play against “Mykolaiv” and “Zhalgiris”, score 15 to the formers and 15 to the latters, I realised that I can do something and need more self-confidence.

-Issuf, if there are no mental boundaries, what do you expect from the season with "Prometey"?

- I want to be the best version of myself. Thanks to coach Ainars Bagatskis, who said that at the European Championship I showed my best basketball that I have ever had. I want the “Prometey” coach to say the same.

- The team is currently in its full squad. However, the players of the National team, including you, missed the first stage of training with "Prometey". Is this not a problem for you?

-Of course not. Since we were in the game rhythm. I am sure that we are in the best shape. Now the main thing is to give me rest to heal my injuries. When there was a break in the National team, I still trained. I'm in good shape, the only thing is that now I have a small ankle injury.

- In Turkey, "Prometey" has two matches against quite powerful opponents - BC "Pinar Karshiyaka" and BC "Fenerbahce", the latter club, by the way, plays in the Euroleague. Do you think these matches will affect the preparations for the EuroCup games?

-Of course, it they will affect by the fact that we will feel the rhythm of the game. W will have to adjust to each other on the court.

- In 5 years term, will you be satisfied with a career in Europe or do you still dream of getting to the NBA?

- I am not dreaming, I know that if I work, I will be there. Work harder, believe in yourself more and good luck. All successful people are lucky. I hope that the God of basketball sees how I try and train, the ordinary God sees it too. This is the task for time and my agent. I will be there.

- Do you have a player, role model, whose level you would like to reach, similar in style? 

- Salia Sanon, my older brother. I only play basketball because I wanted to be like him. My number is 30. I tell everyone that my birthday is on the 30th. But closer people know that it is Stephan Curry. My game has nothing to do with his game. But meaningfully, I fell in love with the NBA after seeing him play. I want to watch, I want to train, work. Also Jamal Crawford. I wish my game was like Westbrook's game. You can see a bit of Sanonchik in it.
 

-If you could go back and replay any match, what would it be and why?

- This is the U18 National team. Leaving the group. Game with Turkey. 4-5 seconds remain. I scored about 27 points, it's clear that the last possession is mine. I go to the left side. And those who know basketball and me know that when I go to the right, it is impossible to stop it. Do I make a mistake myself, or a foul in the attack, or two points, or two with a foul. People figured it out, closed the right, I went to the left. Just threw towards the basket, we lost, did not leave the group. I would replay this match, I would go to the left, just I would score from the top. This moment could have changed everything, we would have made it out of the group, we would have won the championship, I would have been the MVP. After that, I would go to "Real" (Madrid),spend there a year or two, then I would be drafted 5-6. And now I would sign for 120 for four years. No, I think at 130. I think it would have worked out if I had hit that shot.

- How often do you recall that episode when you are already 22?

- I'll be honest, when I drink, I can say that this moment do not leave me. I went to the European Championship thinking how to score a couple of points, and I came back as a star. Different people approached me there, gave me business cards, told me that I play well and that I have a great future. In less than a year, I was drafted number 44. You can't set yourself any limits, but only big goals. This is the only way you can become great and achieve something.

- Finally, traditionally, a few words to the fans of "Prometey".

- Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for my being in the club. We will fight. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Armed Forcesof Ukraine! We will win!