By Vladimir Spivak/ info@eurohoops.net
It’s really nice when reality comes up to the highest expectations. Saint Petersburg looks amazing and the Yubileyny arena is really welcoming for the VTB League All-Star game. It’s super cozy and warm even though it’s originally set for ice hockey. And the All-Star atmosphere warms it up even more.
Players started to show up on the court early in the morning for so-called practices. Well, it hardly reminded professional basketball training session: the players fooled around, talked to media, enjoyed each other’s company, did pretty much anything to avoid their coaches’ instructions. It worked – perhaps the only time during the season.
Coach Obradovic was still pretty concerned with his team’s defense for the upcoming. Usual Obradovic, you know.
Sasa Obradovic is seriously concerned with his team’s defense for upcoming #vtballstar @Eurohoopsnet pic.twitter.com/iXdWNIosJW
— Vladimir Spivak (@selloutxboy) February 17, 2018
Sergio Rodriguez looked focused though. He’s responsible for highlights in World Stars team. He’s also aiming to help his team get a revenge and beat Russian stars this time around.
Chacho explains the defensive strategy of Team World for the #vtballstar pic.twitter.com/UFYaoPWyfY
— Eurohoops.net (@Eurohoopsnet) February 17, 2018
The one who’s not ready is Tyler Honeycutt, he said he’d improvise during the slam-dunk contest like he did last year when he won the contest in Turkey. And he’s the top favorite to win in Russia too.
Russian stars looked full of confidence. They even started to discuss how they would all jump into UAZ Patriot and go on the road trip through the country. The car is a prize for the MVP of the game. Looks nice, right?
There’s no Aleksey Shved in St. Pete so UAZ is up for grabs really. I asked last year’s winner Andrey Vorontsevich if he’s aiming to get another one. He said he still doesn’t know what to do with the previous one.
Sergey Karasev changed his image, especially for the occasion. He now looks a bit like Uncle Drew, what you think? Andre Gordon gave 6 out of 10 for the similarity.
There’s a feeling though all the players will forget their clubs’ chemistry for the 4th quarter of the upcoming and give it a fight. Which should become a great part of the show. The VTB League All-Star Game 2018 tip-off at 5:30 CET.