Andrey Vatutin: 'Shved's arrival divided fans into two camps' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Sputnik – Scanpix Credit Sputnik – Scanpix

Perennial EuroLeague favorites CSKA Moscow ended last season on a sour note. The Russian powerhouse lost both Final Four games and finished 4th in Europe's top club competition. The team will undoubtedly look to return to its glory days in the 2021-22 season.

CSKA President Andrei Vatutin gave an extensive interview to Sport Express, in which he covered a number of topics.

Regarding Alexey Shved's return, Vatutin said that he couldn't miss an opportunity to sign such a player. "He is incredibly talented, bright, the best basketball player in the country in recent years, the top scorer of the EuroLeague," said Vatutin about his newest player.

He also addressed basketball fans' concerns regarding shooting guard's fit the head coach Itoudis. "I know Alexey's arrival has already divided the fans into two camps. Are there any doubts that such a bright, individually strong player can become a part of Itoudis' playing system, accept the club's rules? Only life will tell, but the coach's task is to find a place for him, define his role, and integrate him into the system. I believe that Itoudis will succeed. In CSKA, his role will be different, and the playing time will be different."

When asked to compare Shved to Mike James, who experienced a problematic relationship with Itoudis, ultimately leading to the player's departure, Vatutin did not share similar concerns. "Putting Shved and James on the same board is not entirely correct. As far as I know, Alexey is on good terms with our veterans. In any case, I'm not worried about the atmosphere in the locker room. We have an excellent, well-established team, many experienced, reputable players. The team has taken place, and the newcomers, I am sure, will organically fit into it."

Another CSKA's newcomer Marius Grigonis signed a three-year deal in Moscow after playing a leading role for Zalgiris Kaunas. However, Vatutin was quick to note that contracts do not guarantee status on his team. "It is too early to call Marius a star of the first magnitude. I hope he will earn this status with the uniform of CSKA."

Regarding Iffe Lundberg's possible relocation to the NBA, Vatutin said it was too early for the player to make that jump, but he wouldn't be against it in the future. "After one cool season, it is too early to take such a big step. Iffe can be understood: playing in the NBA is his dream, which is strengthened by the opportunity to become the first Danish in the strongest league in the world. If he receives a serious offer from across the ocean at some point, we will let him go. I do not want to stand in the way person's dream. And the club will gain financial profit as well."

Joel Bolomboy missed part of last season and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Vatutin explained that the big man might not be ready for the season's opening games, either.

When asked about CSKA roster completion, Vatutin explained that the team was still looking for one more player, possibly with the NBA experience. However, the club president admitted that it could take some time before the team signs another player. He also added that the Russian team was operating with roughly the same budget as it did in the previous season.

Talking about other Russian teams in the EuroLeague, Vatutin was complementary of St Petersburg's club. "Zenit has all the potential to become a permanent participant in the tournament. There is a reliable owner, infrastructure, the ability to attract the resources of a large football club. Finally, St Petersburg is the most beautiful European city, the second-largest in Russia, well located in terms of flights. In addition, the team has the potential to have a great next season as well. They will most likely again claim high places in the VTB League regular season and at least get into the EuroLeague eight."

When asked whether players should be fined for refusing to represent the Russian national team, Vatutin was adamant that such a decision should not be an option. "No one should be driven into the national team with sticks, but it is also wrong to let the recruitment of the national team take its course. I think there is a big reserve in establishing communication with the leaders and all the players of the national team."

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