Gomelsky on the matches of the Russian national team in China: “We must take advantage of the opportunity, because there is no one else to play with”

Commentator Vladimir Gomelsky told that he fully supports the idea of ​​​​organizing friendly matches of the Russian national team in China, since the choice of opponents in the current situation is limited.

Former head coach of the Russian national team Zoran Lukic in an interview with Meridiansport, he said that the national team will play two or three friendly matches in China in June.

— It will be interesting to follow the matches of the Russian national team with Chinese clubs and, if we reach an agreement, with the Chinese national team. All this demonstrates the level of preparation. Since there is no one else to play with, we must take advantage of this opportunity. This is undoubtedly a very good idea.

—Who would you like to see in the lineup at these games?

— We all know the list of candidates, some of them, for objective reasons, did not play against Samara. I would like to see Ruzhentsev and Astapkovich in the military team. From my point of view, we need to give playing time to those who were recalled from Lokomotiv, not only Shcherbenev, but also Yemchenko, Martyuk, Elatontsev, maybe even Kvitkovsky. It’s good if the guys can play and train in the national team camp.

Assembling a set is a complex thing that takes time. Lukic needs help, especially since the schedule of matches in China is very convenient, as it does not coincide with the season in Russia. I am very much in favor of friendly matches in China. If we had the choice, if we could be capricious and say that we want to play with the Vietnamese, that’s one thing. When there is no choice, what can you do,” Gomelsky told .

Earlier in February, the Russian team was defeated by Samara in a friendly match (77:78).

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has suspended Russian teams from participating in international tournaments in 2022.