Ukraine reached the 1/8 finals of EuroBasket 2022
Head coach of the Ukrainian men’s basketball team Ainars Bagatskis commented results of 2022 in basketball and general political life in the country.
“This has not been an easy year, to put it mildly. Players no longer think about basketball, but about what is happening at home, what is happening with their loved ones. Basketball fades into the background, but you need to continue to fight for victories. All the players have matured this year, become more serious and responsible. Of course, there are things in life that are much more important than basketball, but the players have to do their job. Everyone played for the national team with great pride. And, in my opinion, everyone played better. Maybe now it is not felt, but it can be appreciated over time.
“Regarding the results, I always have a residue after defeats – no matter against which team. The most embarrassing thing for me was the overtime loss against Iceland, when we made a lot of losses, and in such a situation it is naive to expect that you will be forgiven. In other matches, the game more or less suited me, but, of course, you can always do better. In this situation, everything could have been much worse, but thanks to the players, the entire staff of the national team, the federation, we did a very good job together.”
“You know, sometimes I feel like a Ukrainian. When I worked in Ukraine, I felt at home. We are all going through this together and I hope this horror ends as soon as possible. It will never be the same as before, but after the victory of Ukraine, I hope it will become even better. Of course, I am proud that I am Latvian, but sometimes I feel like a Ukrainian.”
“I wish Ukraine and Ukrainians peace. The fastest recovery of the country and I wish everyone good health is something that money cannot buy. Take care of yourself”.
Bagatskis is the current coach of the Ukrainian national team. His contract with the FBU ended in September, but was extended until the end of qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
Bagatskis headed the national team of Ukraine in 2019. This summer, the blue-and-yellows reached the 1/8 finals of EuroBasket 2022.
In the selection for the World Cup, Ukraine was able to win three out of eight matches. In the standings, the Ukrainians are in fourth place and behind Iceland, which is third, by one point. The next qualifying match of Ukraine will play in February with Italy.
Source: Sportarena
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