Mikhail Presnyakov: "I strive to play more efficiently and consistently"
Zenit U21 center Mikhail Presnyakov has been named to the symbolic five of March in the VTB United Youth League.
The player participated in all eight games of the month, six of which ended in victories for his team. On average, Presnyakov recorded 11 points per game, along with 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, achieving an efficiency rating of 14.5.
Zenit's press service talked to Mikhail about getting into the top five, the team's form before the playoffs and goals for the remainder of the season.
— What does being named to the symbolic five for March mean to you?
— It’s always nice to receive individual awards. For me, it’s a step in my personal development. But above all, this is the result of our team’s efforts. I want to thank my teammates for their work in recent games, as well as the coaching staff for their professional approach.
— Zenit U21 secured five consecutive wins last month. What were the key factors behind this success — both for the team and for you personally?
— Before our trip to Minsk, the team had several strong training cycles, during which we put in quality work. We improved our defensive communication and offensive chemistry, and this was reflected in our performance in the following games. Of course, there were some rough patches, but overall, the results are satisfying.
— This is your debut season in the VTB United Youth League. What does it mean to you, and what personal goals have you set for the remainder of the season?
— The main goal, of course, is to win the championship. But on a personal level, I strive to play more efficiently and consistently.
— With two rounds left in the regular season, what’s the team's mindset, and in what form is the team heading into the playoffs?
— The team is highly motivated because we want to finish the regular season on a strong note and continue our preparation for the playoffs. Right now, that is our top priority. We need to keep working on improving our team chemistry and coordination so that by the time the playoffs begin, we can fully unlock both our individual and collective potential.
