Reporting from Berlin: Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lokomotiv Kuban had just finished practicing and Ryan Broekhoff had a wide smile on his face when we approached him to discuss with him the experience of playing in a Euroleague Final Four for the first time in his career.
How did he describe it in one word? “Fantastic”, he said. “It came from how we played in the whole season led to this achievement. Of course we were defeated in the semi-final. We managed to push CSKA towards the end but didn’t make it. Still, I think that the team as a whole and everyone as individuals learned a lot from this experience”.
With one game left for Lokomotiv Kuban in the 2015/2016 season, Broekhoff made retrospect on how the year went for him? “I had to adapt in a different type of game and at a highest level of basketball of course. Once I became confident and comfortable with myself at that level, my season became solid and I managed to help my team . I think it was a Perfect time for me and my career to come and be part of this team. We made an incredible achievement”.
Had any of his teammates in Australian national team , who were also experienced in Euroleague, given some sage Final Four advice to Broekhoff before the Final Four? “We have a general group chat in whatsupp with lots of Australian ballers. David Andersen, in particular, send me words of encouragement and advice. He wished me good luck and told him how important it is to have confidence. It’s nice to have that kind of support from the Australian guys. “
Never before had Lokomotiv Kuban such a strong support by the people of Krasnodar. “Once the fans saw that we in the team were heading to the right direction, they start coming aboard. And they were many! Even in VTB Games. Of course, the games against Barcelona were something else. A true highlight of their support”.
In the end, Broekhoff expressed his belief that Lokomotiv Kuban is up for a bright future. “I know that the club will continue to do whatever it can, in order to play at the highest possible level”.