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 Olexandra Gorbunova: "We believe that everything is possible"
Sasha, first we would like to congratulate you with getting into the European Championship in Latvia. Ukraine showed a good result! How do you evaluate the performance of the Ukrainian National team?
I believe we could have passed for the European Championship already in summer. We had every chance for it. In general, we have only ourselves to blame for not getting in. Now it was still more important for us to pass the qualifying round as Ukraine hasn't managed to get into the final round of the European Championship since the Championship in Greece in 2003. I can't say that we were sure we would qualify for entry but we had every chance and we caught this opportunity.
What do you think about the chances of the Ukrainian National team for success in the struggle for Eurobasket trophies?
I can't say anything definite now as the team roster is always changing. For example, now in winter the roster differs completely from the one which was playing in summer. And I don't know what kind of changes will have been introduced by June. The most important thing is that we passed the qualification round. Many things are known already: groups, games... We will struggle with maximum effort. Everything is possible. We believe that everything is possible.
You are the best player in Ukraine in recent years. As a professional how would you assess the rate of growth of Women's basketball in Ukraine as a whole?
In Ukraine the rate of basketball growth is declining. It seems that there are attempts to support children's and youth's basketball but there are also plenty of young promising players under 20 who already play abroad: in Bulgaria, in France... And no one wants to play in Ukraine. Officially there are only four teams in the Ukrainian Federation of Basketball now. Also there has been the Ukrainian Basketball League created - a private organization alternative to the official Federation. A lot of players are passing to this League. As a result, basketball here is fading away from year to year.
Do you feel any difficulty when you have to be torn between matches for the club and matches for the National team? Do you have to make sacrifices?
Playing for the National team is the question where there is no place for doubts. National team is a National team. And I think that every player takes it as a great honor. It's a kind of patriotic dedication if you like. And though it's difficult to avoid sacrifices, definitely I don't feel sorry about them.
Do you feel that CSKA is your team? Did you get used to it?
Yes, everything is ok in the team. Indeed, I didn't expect the team would be so friendly. On the playground, in the trainings, in the changing rooms and just in everyday life. The team is really pulled together, they know each other for many years – all this makes a big advantage for CSKA. Many players play for this team throughout the years: Edwige Lawson, Ann Wauters, Ilona Korstine. The team has its core and the youth, it its turn, comes to help, to cover... I think this is one of the strong points of the club.
Do you think that the first part of the current season was successful and productive for you?
The season hasn't finished yet, so I can't say anything surely. I didn't have much of playing time in the games for CSKA but anyway I do my best to use all the provided minutes to the maximum extent. I still have half of the season before me and I will try to show my worth in the given time and thus to help the team.
You have already reached eminence in basketball. What are you aiming at in your future career?
I don't like making premature plans. Of course, I have some certain aims and wishes for my career. Now, for this season my aim is to win the Russian Championship, get into the Euroleague Final Four and make a good showing in the European Championship. After I can rest a little and with new energy lay down new aims for the next season.
With such a tight schedule do you have enough time for social life, for family? Do you often see your family?
Certainly it's not easy. Generally we communicate by phone but sometimes my parents, my friends, my boyfriend – they come to visit me. Actually those who are engaged in professional sports have either to trail the whole family after them or to make sacrifices and just visit them at home when possible. It's difficult but year after year it's easier to get used to it. It's the eighth season for me when I am alone far from the family, so I already take it as a norm.
Interviewed by Anastasia Berezina. |
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