By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a lengthy interview to Sport-Express, CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin discussed several topics including Mike James missing a recent Turkish Airlines EuroLeague match versus TD Systems Baskonia. His approach concluded in the Russian outlet managing to extend its winning streak provides a fitting response to all related rumors.
“We had a talk with Mike when we signed him. I used the American expression “your reputation precedes you” to say, “Mike, let’s join forces so your reputation here is only a positive one,” recalled Vatutin, “Mike is not easy.”
“There was no particular incident,” he added, “Every team consists of ambitious professionals. Every player has his own opinion. These are internal matters. We did not release an official statement. We suffered a tough loss to Khimki and then launched a winning streak.”
Following the VTB United League defeat to Khimki Moscow Region, CSKA bounced back by taking down Baskonia and went on extending its EuroLeague streak, also defeated Parma Perm in its next VTB affair with James on fire in the positive stretch.
“Mike returning after missing one game earning the EuroLeague MVP award and playing very well in Perm was very important for us,” pointed out Vatutin, “We need the best out of every kind of situation evolving in the club.”
“Time and effort are required for a team to perform at the best possible level. We are in the process of improving,” he said, “I understand Mike was sidelined and various rumors surfaced related to a contract termination or Itoudis departing or CSKA going through a crisis. However, our winning streak is our answer.”