– The task was set to reach the main qualification round – we fulfilled it. I don’t think that any of the players of the national team thought that we would lose another match. All thoughts were about winning the next three matches and ending pre-qualification on a good note.
Is Denmark higher in the FIBA Power Rankings? I haven’t seen these ratings, but it’s not news to me that we can be underestimated somewhere – for some reason it always is. Our task is to go out on the field and show where we should be. The ball is round, players play 5 on 5, and this rating should not be important. We have to go out and win.
The absence of Shields and Lundberg in Denmark? I don’t care who I play with. I thought that Lundberg could play, he is a quality basketball player. But we have to look at the players that are there and prepare for them; not to worry about the basketball players who may come or will play. The most important thing is to come out and show your game.
Preparation for the game after the victory over Georgia? A very difficult match, they played a lot, the opponent is difficult. First of all, it is important to recover mentally, so physically there are not many options to recover in two days or in one – you have to recover more mentally to be ready to play the next match. I believe that this is the most important thing.
Victory over Georgia? We knew right away that we would have a good chance to play and win. Of course, it depends on the players who come, but you always try to play with those who are there. You have 12 players who can perform the assigned tasks at a fairly good level. We have to play every match to win.
31 points against Georgia? I try not to burden myself with this pressure and play as free as possible, be myself, do what I can, enjoy the game. And if I can enjoy my game and give opportunities to my team to score points and feel more comfortable, that’s the main goal for me. When I feel comfortable, I can do it. Yes, I was able to do this in the previous team of Vitaly Stepanovskyi, I am always glad when the coach trusts me. And now Ainars trusts me too. It’s important to me when the number one is trusted to control the game – then I feel more relaxed and can play my best game.
Source: sport.ua