Luka Samanic: "I’m really proud of the team"

Zenit TV spoke with Blue-White-Sky Blues center Luka Samanic after the convincing win over Lokomotiv Kuban (98:69). About the game against the Krasnodar team, his own performance, his on-court chemistry with Neno, and his love for Harry Potter films — in our interview.

— Luka, congrats on the win. Games against Loko are always intense and really emotional for many players and for our coach. It's your first game against them and what do you think about this opponent?

— Great team I heard we lost against them before I came here so it was even more special for us to show to compete and to fight and we did it today. So I'm really proud of the team.

— It's a perfect game for you: eight out of eight from a field goal, 18 points. How do you feel mentally and emotionally?

— I'm really happy that we've got a win. Individual performance is less important. It's important that we won but of course I'm happy the way I played and I'm happy that I could help the team in any way I can.

— Three out of eight buckets were made with the help of Neno's assists. Do you feel a strong on-court connection with Neno?

— Yeah I think me and Neno have a special relationship. Even though I'm here for a little bit I think we really bonded off the court and I think the show's on the court. I really appreciate him and he's amazing for our team.

— You know since the last season semifinals Zenit and Lokomotiv Kuban keep winning only at home. Does it mean that the X-factor are fans?

— I mean, we have amazing fans, and for sure it helped us a lot. Them cheering for us, but I think we have to go there and do the same thing we did today.

— Zenit looked comfortable from the very beginning, we had a 22-point lead before the half-time. And what allowed you to control the game like that?

— Starting from the point guard, and then also playing amazing defense, rebounding stopping the transition and being really physical and not letting them hit us but also we're hitting them so yeah.

— What were the key points or emphasis at the halftime to make sure that the lead you will keep the way?

— Yeah I mean last game against PARMA they were losing by 20 and a half and they came back and we knew that. So we made sure that coming into the half play even stronger than we did in the first half and not let them come back.

— It's our five back-to-back win. What changes in the team do you feel after you joined it?

— I think we practice really hard. Whatever coach tells us we try to listen, we practice all the things that he wants us and we play together. I think of the core we also get started bonding and it's been really fun.

— So the next game will be in Kazan and what do you expect from this game?

— Tough game, I mean one of the best teams in the league same like Loko, UNICS is one of the teams too and I expect really physical game, they have really good players and I expect fight.

— And extra question for you. For this game our club invited the orchestra and they had a special Harry Potter performance. So what do you think about this movie? Do you like to watch it?

— Of course, every winter. I was just talking to Neno about that. Every winter I re-watch the whole series. It's one of my favorite.