Interview with Sabah basketball team head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis for Report
— Your team has reached the Azerbaijan Basketball League final for the third consecutive time. How do you feel about that?
— From the start of the season, our goal was to defend the Azerbaijan championship title — and we’re on the right track. Now, our focus is on winning the final series.
— You’ll be facing Neftchi in the decisive round. What’s your take on your opponent?
— Neftchi is a strong team. This season, the two best teams have made it to the final. We’re not afraid of them, but we respect them. We’ve prepared seriously for the final, and we know it won’t be easy. The first game in a final series is always crucial.
— Did you expect Neftchi to make it to the final?
— I can’t speak for other teams. Neftchi underwent coaching and roster changes this season, so it was hard to predict along the way. But I wouldn’t say their place in the final was a surprise. I believe they deserve to be here.
— How would you compare this season’s competition level to last season?
— I think the level of the Azerbaijan Basketball League has improved compared to last year. A key factor was the change in the foreign player limit. We’re also seeing progress among Azerbaijani players.
— Speaking of local players, are you satisfied with the performance of your Azerbaijani players?
— I’ve seen clear progress in Shirzad Shirzade and Ramiz Guliyev. Among the younger players, Alikamran Mammadov and Aydin Ibrahimov are working hard and developing well. There’s real potential, and their best days are still ahead.
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