Ilya Kuruch: "If Zenit wins the championship, I'll wear a pendant with Shved's photo"

Actor, blogger, comedian and screenwriter Ilya Kuruch attended Zenit's recent game against Samara (115:57) and shared his impressions of the atmosphere at the blue-whites' home arena. A positive interview about Dennis Rodman, the championship race, Alexey Shved and much more — exclusively for Zenit TV.

— Ilya, we’re happy to welcome you to basketball. When did you fall in love with the game?

— Basketball? As soon as Alexey Shved joined Zenit, I instantly fell in love with it.

— When and under what circumstances did you meet him?

— I met Lesha a long time ago, about two years back. He invited me to a game.

— Do you remember how he played against Zenit in the championship playoff three years ago?

— No, no. I save my neurons for jokes, so my memory on those matters is wiped clean (laughs).

— Fair enough! We’ve noticed you at Zenit games for the second time now. Have you grown fond of the team?

— Yes, the atmosphere is festive. It’s also an opportunity to meet up with my dad. We come to the game together, sit in a warm embrace, put our hands on each other's shoulders, and discuss the match.

— Who’s that on your T-shirt? Do you see a player of that level at Zenit right now?

— Dennis Rodman — my favorite, a true fashion icon. I just like him as a character, as a media figure. And his basketball was beautiful too. I also followed the Chicago Bulls back in the day.

— Have you ever dyed your hair green like him?

— No, I stick to a moderately conservative style for now. But maybe one day, I’ll give in to that desire. Just waiting for the right moment.

— A basketball-related question: are you following the championship race? Zenit, UNICS, CSKA — who do you favor?

— Of course, Zenit, because I’m from St. Petersburg, I live here, and I support my hometown team. I was at the game against UNICS. Good! Exciting! With the prefix "very". A real action game.

— Ilya, whose heart does that key unlock? (A pendant on a chain with the inscription "I will always love you"). Is it a Whitney Houston reference or something else?

— That information is classified. Locked away on a shelf where no one can reach it.

— If Zenit wins the championship, will you reveal it?

— Yes, yes. If they win, I’ll wear a pendant with Shved’s photo on my chest.

— Alright, we’ll be looking forward to that. What would you like to say to Zenit’s fans?

— I wish all the fans to genuinely enjoy the game. If you’ve come, just rest as much as possible.