Andre Roberson: "I learned a lot this year"

A major interview with Zenit forward Andre Roberson about his personal takeaways from the season, Saint Petersburg fans, the Russian language, Cooper Flagg, and Steven Adams. Read our conversation with one of the Blue-White-Sky Blues' key players from the 2025/26 championship season.

— Andre, a lot has already been said about the team’s results this season. But on a personal level, what will you remember this season for?

— For me personally, I had a lot of challenges along the way, whether they were basketball-related or not. But I really got to grow as a person and immerse myself in another culture and another country. I learned a lot of Russian. I learned a lot about Russia. And hopefully I can take that back home and use it with my friends and family, or maybe use it down the line. So I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about my teammates. And I just formed more bonds and found more people that I can say, after I'm done with basketball, I have to lean on. So that's what it's all about.

— The first part of the season was not easy for you: an injury, rehabilitation, and then returning to the court. What helped you reach the level we saw from you in the playoffs? In the decisive games, you were one of the team’s leaders on the floor.

— Oh, just the team and the medical staff sticking with me. And I guess the injury itself. I mean, I don't think anybody foresaw that happening, but it's kind of part of the game. I mean, not just me — we had a lot of guys that were kind of in and out throughout the season. And, you know, we stuck through it, and that's credit not just to the players, but to the medical staff and the front office, and to them having our backs through it all. You know, that's what it's all about. To say one thing and actually back it up with actions means more. So it's just a credit to how extraordinary this program is.

— You have great experience playing in the States and overseas, in France and now in Russia. Could you please compare the local St. Petersburg fans with others? 

— They're amazing. I mean, they're right up there with the best of them. And we really appreciate them coming out and showing their support, even through the tough and difficult times. They're right there by our side, and that's what it's all about. You know, when we say family, together as one with the community, that's what we mean, and they exemplified that.

— And how different is the atmosphere on the court when playing basketball? Different rules, I guess, maybe something else?

— Yeah, I mean, there are certain things that you have to adapt to as a player, whether it be the rules, the physicality, or the style of play. There are a lot of things that come with it, whether it's new coaching, new players — just kind of encompassing the game of basketball all in one. So, I mean, you have to try to adapt as quickly as possible. But like I said, you learn a lot about yourself as a person, and you learn a lot about the guys around you. And I think we did an amazing job.

— You mentioned your love for the Russian language. Could you please name just a couple of your favorite Russian words?

— My favorite Russian words? Otlichno (excellent — Zenit note) is very good, which I love and enjoy. But I can't necessarily say the ones that I really like because there are some bad words that I kind of say on the court from time to time, but not so much in my daily life. But yeah, I don't really have much else.

— So how will your off-season begin?

— My wife, my wife's birthday is today, actually (interview was recorded on June 14 — Zenit note). But she's doing some World Cup stuff. So when she gets back, we'll celebrate for sure.

— We came across information that your sister's boyfriend is Cooper Flagg, one of the best NBA rookies. What do you think about his debut season?

— He had a phenomenal year. I mean, their relationship definitely kind of caught me off guard, but it's a joy. He's a great guy and a great player on the court, but most importantly, for what I'm concerned about, he's great off the court. He exemplifies everything you want in a guy who's going to be with your sister and build a bond with her. He's a good guy, and he's only going to continue to excel on the court as well. I always wish him the best.

— If you remember, in one of the interviews with our Serbian colleague, you mentioned that you would probably contact Steven Adams and invite him to visit one of our playoff games. Were you in touch with him about that?

— Yes, we were in touch throughout the playoffs because they were still going on, especially during the first round of their playoffs. So we couldn't quite make it happen. He was out and done for the season, but it would have looked bad if he had come over here and not supported his team. And then there was the timing of it all. I mean, he's getting ready for his camp, and a couple of other things came up that took priority over coming to see me. But hopefully, if I do come back next year, he will definitely come over here. So he's a big fan of Mr. Putin and would like to meet him.