Georgy Zhbanov: "It doesn’t matter how many away games in a row — playing is pure joy"

Zenit forward Georgy Zhbanov shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming away game against Uralmash. The matchup with the Yekaterinburg team will take place tomorrow, December 7, on the DIVS court. The game starts at 15:00 St. Petersburg time.

— Were you able to recover after the difficult trip from Laktasi and fully prepare for Sunday’s game?

— We recovered as much as possible. Zenit’s management, along with our beloved Vyacheslav, the team manager, and the administrator Gennady, made our trip from Laktasi to Yekaterinburg as comfortable as it could be. We spent nights in Belgrade and in Moscow, traveling a bit each day, and eventually made it to Yekaterinburg. And I think we are fully ready for Sunday’s game.

— What feelings did you have coming to Yekaterinburg, and which of your relatives will be at the game tomorrow?

— I always come to my hometown with warm feelings. Getting a chance to see family is always wonderful, so I only have positive emotions about coming to Yekaterinburg.

— What is Uralmash’s main strength?

— Uralmash’s main strength is their coach. That’s exactly the kind of coach the team from the Urals had been missing. He arrived and brought them to a new level.

— How difficult is it to play two consecutive away games without returning home?

— Playing two games isn’t difficult. We love basketball and we enjoy playing — at home or away. It doesn’t matter how many away games in a row. We enjoy it all the same. For us, it’s pure joy.