Vladislav Emchenko: "Maximum focus for every game"

— The team has two games with only a two-day gap. How did the travel and recovery after the previous game go? How difficult was the journey?

— Yesterday was quite a long trip, around 11 hours. We left Samara and had two flights. Everything went smoothly and comfortably, without delays, but it was still long. We got back to the hotel tired, had dinner, and went to bed. Today we had a practice in another gym. We stretched well, strengthened our muscles, ran some drills, and played a bit. Let’s say it was to make sure we’re ready for tomorrow’s game. Trent joined us — fresh and well-rested. Tomorrow he’ll most likely be pressing Avtodor’s point guards all over the court. So we’re ready for tomorrow’s game, everything is going according to plan.

— Compared to the January meeting, Avtodor no longer has Alen Hadžibegović, and there have been changes on the coaching staff. What do you expect from the opponent?

— We try to focus on our own game. It doesn’t matter whether the opponent is at full strength or not. What matters is stepping onto the court and, from the very first seconds of the game, making it clear that we came here to win!

— This is the final away trip of the regular season. Do you feel the decisive stage of the season approaching?

— Yes, the long-awaited playoffs are coming soon. As you said, there are only a couple of games left, so right now it’s especially important for us to approach every game with maximum focus, energy, team spirit, and a great attitude!