Ilona Korstin: “I believe Zenit has every chance to reach the Final Four”
— Ilona, welcome to the WINLINE Game of the Week. How did you like the atmosphere and the first half of the game?
— The atmosphere is great. It’s really great to see a full arena — a sold-out crowd. I know the tickets were sold out three days in advance, and it’s great that St. Petersburg has basketball fans who don’t miss a single game.
The atmosphere is amazing, and the game itself is very competitive — a lot of fight, the lead changed hands many times. For true basketball fans, this is a very entertaining show.
— Today Zenit introduced its brand new robot dog. How interesting do you think it is to integrate such IT innovations into the team environment?
— I think it’s important to keep up with the times. Artificial intelligence is developing and becoming part of our daily lives — why not try it in basketball? The league also experimented with an AI host at the All-Star Game, and it was an interesting experience.
I think we should see how this small robot can be useful and adapt — the most important thing is that it doesn’t interfere with the game.
— St. Petersburg will soon host the WINLINE Basket Cup Final Four. Can today’s game be seen as a rehearsal?
— Every game is, in a way, a rehearsal. It’s an opportunity to work on different combinations, build chemistry on the court, and gain confidence. Zenit hasn’t qualified for the Final Four yet — everything will be decided on March 26 in Kazan.
If Zenit beats UNICS, they will advance to the Final Four. I believe the team has every chance. Today’s opponent was also very strong, but Lokomotiv is no longer in contention for the Final Four.
So it’s difficult to call this a rehearsal in a sporting sense. But from an organizational standpoint — probably yes. I hope St. Petersburg fans will come to the Final Four anyway and enjoy great basketball.
