Georgy Zhbanov: "We'll rest a bit and then start preparing for PARMA already"

Forward Georgy Zhbanov, in an interview with Zenit TV, discussed the WINLINE Basket Cup match against Igokea (103:72), congratulated the Blue-White-Sky Blues on the upcoming New Year, and showed a gift from the fans.

— Zhora, congratulations on the victory. We're ending 2025 on a high note. How are you feeling?

— As you rightly said, we're ending the year on a winning note. The feeling is wonderful, the holidays are ahead, we'll do nice things for our loved ones, give gifts, receive gifts. So, we'll rest a bit and then start preparing for PARMA already.

— In the first quarter, we were succeeding at almost everything, but it was clear that in the second segment Igokea adjusted their defense. What difficulties did you face?

— You can't write Igokea off. They are a good team with an excellent coach. Plus, they arrived shorthanded, the guys were charged up, fighting. Yes, at some point we let up a bit, lost concentration a little, and they took advantage of that moment, but then we found the key to get everything back and saw it through to a confident victory.

— We won in Laktasi on December 4, today we also got a win, but how were these two matches different?

— In that we didn't have to overcome such a difficult journey to get there, it's much easier. The reason for Igokea's defeat like this was also the long trip. The guys were definitely not at their freshest. So the difference is probably mainly in the travel.

— How do you feel about playing to music in this tournament?

— Yeah, it's fine with music. When you're already on the court, you don't really pay attention to it, you only hear it while sitting on the bench when your focus is a little off. But overall, the music doesn't interfere and doesn't help at all really.

— Which track would you definitely want to have played?

— I don't know, haven't thought about it.

— We saw you walking with a small gift after the game. Can you share who gave it to you and, if you've already looked, what's inside?

— Wonderful fans. I haven't seen what it is myself. Oh, it's my favorite player Dennis Rodman. "I don't trust what this life has given me". Yes, right? Cool. I'll definitely hang it at home. One of my all-time favorite players.

— Since that's the case, what's your take on Rodman?

— He's fantastic. My father played basketball, he introduced me to basketball. One of his favorite players was Dennis Rodman. And he told me about him, showed me, and I like that passion for the game in him. It doesn't matter how many points you score, the main thing is just to go out and fight, live for it, and be a little bit crazy.

— How do you plan to spend the New Year?

— New Year with my wife. Everything with my wife, and my little dog.

— And in conclusion, maybe you'd like to wish something to the Zenit fans?

— Dear fans, I congratulate you on the upcoming New Year. Thank you for always being in the stands, always supporting us even in not the easiest times, like now. I hope we will do excellent work and by the end of the season we will be a completely different team, not the one we were at the beginning. I wish all the best to your loved ones, health and love to you. We look forward to seeing you at the games!