One of the favorites of Group B in the regular season of the Azerbaijan Basketball League (ABL), Serhedchi, finished the first part of the tournament with a 97:78 victory over Guba and took third place in the group. Not long ago, the club announced the signing of Uzbek basketball player Anvar Asanov. This Saturday, Serhedchi will play their first match of the new year against Lankaran.
In an interview with Idman.Biz, Serhedchi head coach and Azerbaijan national team coach Anar Sariyev summed up the interim results of the season, shared expectations for the National Cup, and spoke about the development of Azerbaijani basketball players.
– How do you assess the first half of the season for Serhedchi?
– The start of the season did not go as well as we would have liked. However, closer to the end, despite losing many games, the team began to show better quality basketball. Now the most important thing is to keep working, regardless of expectations and results.
– Do you think the team has a chance to reach the playoffs?
– Our task is to work and achieve the maximum possible result. I believe we need to start matches much better, that is very important. We need wins, because they determine whether the team reaches the playoffs or not.
– Recently Serhedchi strengthened the squad with Anvar Asanov. What attracted you to this player?
– He is studying for a higher education degree in Azerbaijan. Last year, he played for Serhedchi and showed initiative to continue with the team. I was not against it – we invited him to training, evaluated him, and brought him into the club. I am sure he can help us.
– The Azerbaijan Basketball Cup starts next week. What goals do you set for yourself?
– In the round of 16 we will face Sheki. Our main goal at this stage is to play well in this match and secure a victory.
The Cup uses the 3-2 rule (a maximum of three foreign players can be on the court at the same time), and it is very important that Azerbaijani players show high-quality basketball. Serhedchi have many young players. I believe in my team, even though we will not be able to field our strongest lineup in the Cup, as we cannot use Nijat Nasirov and Ramazan Garayev. Nevertheless, I trust my players.
– Who do you consider the favorites of the Cup?
– The favorites are clubs that are staffed with strong national team players. Among them, I would certainly highlight Sabah and Neftchi.
– You are also a national team coach. How do you assess the team’s prospects in the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers?
– Frankly speaking, the first stage did not go the way we wanted. We knew the match against North Macedonia would be very difficult. In Baku we wanted to beat Luxembourg, and despite being down by 20 points, we fought until the last minute and were close to victory.
Nevertheless, we believe the second stage will be more successful. At least in cup matches, national team players will get more playing time and gain experience.
– Do you agree that the ABL format of four foreign players and one local affects the level of national team players?
– In previous years I said that the 3-2 format would be more useful for the development of local basketball players. However, now our players have gained experience and professionalism, and the 4-1 format, in my opinion, is justified. National team members must show through their play that they deserve more time on the court.
At the same time, I believe a second league is still necessary. Some young players do not get enough playing time and lack game practice. Therefore, the decision to create a second league in the future is very correct.
– How do you assess the physical condition of Azerbaijani basketball players?
– I would not focus only on physical indicators. For me, it is more important to see basketball thinking and understanding of the game. Physical condition is certainly important, but I want to see more interesting basketball players emerge.
– Which young basketball players would you highlight?
– I would not like to single anyone out. Everyone is working and trying. We often communicate with youth team coaches and receive information about players. There are guys who come to training earlier than everyone else and leave later than everyone else – this already shows their desire to play and get more minutes. This is a very positive and encouraging sign.
