Ordu basketball player Rustam Aliyev spoke to the club’s press service in an exclusive interview.
As Idman.biz reports, the team captain assessed their performance this season and shared his future plans.
- How was this season for the team?
- With a limited budget, making it to the playoffs isn’t something every team can achieve. Despite a small budget and even a shortage of players, we fought hard and qualified for the playoffs. We even played head-to-head against Neftchi in the first match of the final stage. We struggled with the lack of local players and didn’t have many foreign players for rotation. For example, when our main playmaker Ramme Griffin got injured, it was hard to replace him. With a stronger bench, we could have achieved even more. Still, I believe Ordu has now established itself as a team.
- How do you evaluate your own game in the league?
- I played two years at ‘Sabah,’ where it was tough to make the lineup because of their high ambitions. So, I had few chances to prove myself. At Ordu, I’m considered one of the key players, and the coach often built the game around me. This played a big role in my development. I feel like I rediscovered myself. I’m very grateful to Alberto Blanco, who taught me where I can be most useful. I’m much more confident now. Although injuries set me back, I’ve already started physical training to be fully ready for next season.
- Where will you continue your career? Will you stay at Ordu, or are there other offers?
- To be honest, I haven’t yet received an offer to stay at Ordu. If they do make one, we’ll talk. Of course, everything depends on the club’s budget and goals. It’s hard to say anything definite now, but I believe whatever happens will be for the best for both the club and me.
Idman.biz
