By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The President of the Russian Basketball Federation and former player Andrei Kirilenko is optimistic on Russia’s chances ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. As FIBA relays, he pointed out: “For many of our players who are 30 and older, this is perhaps the last chance to play in a major tournament. Therefore our experienced guys will play at 120 percent of their capabilities to get the result. You could say it will be a swan song.”
In Group B action, the Russian National Team will go against Nigeria, Korea and Argentina at Wuhan and potential members of the squad are gearing up. “About 12 real candidates apply for 12 positions in the national team. This has not happened for a long time. This is a useful practice when we gather potential candidates for the national team. The guys who will form the backbone of the national team in the coming years can get acquainted with the requirements of the head coach and feel the team atmosphere” he said.
“If someone shows he is worthy of a place at the World Cup, he will continue working out with the team and get a chance to go to China. We’re giving a wider range of players the opportunity to prove themselves” Kirilenko added and commented on injured Dmitry Khvostov’s not being available for the World Cup: “It will be very difficult but I’m sure coach Bazarevich will find a way to replace him.”