“After the Spartakiad finals of 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 basketball, gray hair definitely increased” – coach of the Moscow national team

Head coach of the Moscow 3×3 women’s basketball team Alexander Diratsuyan shared his emotions after winning the All-Russian Spartakiad final over Sverdlovsk region (74:54) and said that after the match he added gray hair to his head.

– Which gold is more valuable – in 3×3, where you are also the head coach of the national team, or in classic basketball? And will there be a double prize money?

– About the prize money, that’s definitely not a question for me – I have no idea. And in terms of energy consumption, nerves – both victories are incredibly difficult. Do you remember what the 3×3 tournament was like: whatever the victory, it is with a difference of one goal. And there too: each match on the nerves. The gray hair on my head has grown considerably, I suspect.

– When did you believe that the Sverdlovsk region, aka UMMC, could really beat?

— We believed in it even before the match. But it was very difficult at first. In the first half, the girls looked in a hurry, they didn’t look like themselves. I couldn’t even figure out if it was our team or not.

– Victoria Cheren brought a lot of benefits in previous matches, but today she left the pitch earlier than expected due to injury. Did this factor affect the mood of Moscow?

“I think this is one of the main factors for the victory. The girls came together, defended Vika, gave all their strength. And for Nastya Logunova, who was also injured.

– Maria Krymova, 21 years old – a joker hidden in the sleeve?

“It’s not like we’re hiding it! She had good games before, she helped us a lot in the Premier League playoffs. She, like any young player, still lacks stability, but she is developing very well. We see each other every day in training so I know what she is capable of.

– That is to say that his 23 points did not surprise you at all?

– A little. But I’m sure soon she will surprise us all.