By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After spending the three previous years of his career in the NBA, for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets, Sergey Karasev decided to return to Europe and Russia, accepting an offer to play for Zenit. St. Petersburg.
What drove him to this decision? “Probably the main reason that made me come back to Russia is to play in a team where I can lead”, said the 22-year old swingman in an exclusive interview with Russian website SportsDaily.ru. “This is a challenge for me. To feel like a leader, to prove to myself that I’m ready for this role. Ι want to be one of the key persons in a team, not just go in for ten minutes. I hope that Zenit will be successful in VTB League and then it will be possible for me to go back to the NBA.”
So a return to the NBA is in his plans after all. “I signed a two-year contract with Zenit. Ideally, we will be to win a place in the 2016/2017 Euroleague. I think myself as a Euroleague level player. It will be easier for me to prove that I am ready to return to the NBA after playing a season in Euroleague”.
Zenit can clinch a spot for the 2016/2017 Euroleague if it wins next season’s Eurocup or VTB League. They can also get the ticket for the competition if they make it to the VTB title series with CSKA Moscow (that has a closed contract in Euroleague) being the other finalist.
Karasev also discussed what does it take in order to make it to the NBA. “If you wish for it to happen and you work for the realization of your dream every day, through sweat and blood, then you can get things done. Of course you can’t do anything without luck as well. Perhaps it’s easier for big guys to start playing overseas because they have size. But the real trick is to add intelligence and technique in your game. Such basketball players are not many around the world. And that is why they are valued higher than others.”