BC Kyiv’s head coach Tomo Mahoric and forward Marko Maravic took part in a web conference, organized by Obozrevatel media-holding.

Below is the transcript of the most interesting questions and answers:

Tomo, was it hard to agree to coach Kyiv last winter?

Mahoric: Easy and hard at the same time. I still did not know what European Cup we would be playing and I wanted to play in one of the top tournaments. It’s also not easy to leave your home and one can only make that decision only after careful considerations.

On the other hand I loved the conditions in Kyiv and the atmosphere in the club that’s why in the summer I decided to stay and believe I did the right thing.

Tomo, Marko, what is basketball for you – just work, lifestyle or the state of mind?

Maravic: All of it. Of course it’s work, but it’s more than just a job, it’s also lifestyle and the state of mind.

Mahoric: I agree with Marko. First of all we are enjoying basketball. If not for this, we would not be able to spend so much time in the gym. There’s also something inside – challenge without which no one can live.

Tomo, why are the Ukrainian players not getting much playing time on your team?

Mahoric: I never look into my players’ passport. The only thing that matters to me is how much a player can help the team. For instance, Artur Drozdov perhaps get the most playing time, Slava Kravtsov’s role has also increased this season and he is just 20.

Questions like this worry fans in every country. Of course they want to see their countryman play. But you have to understand that the Ukrainian clubs sign imports to be competitive in Europe , which is also good for the Ukrainians, who get great experience practicing with high-class foreigners.

The problem of not having too many quality Ukrainian players does not come from the clubs. Attention needs to be paid to junior teams during the age when fundamentals need to be built.

Believe me, there is a lot of potential in Ukraine and the future of the country’s basketball depends on quality selection process and the work with youth.

Do you like extreme sports?

Maravic: No, not really. I don’t feel comfortable too high or too deep, so it’s not for me. I’d rather play some tennis.

Mahoric: I don’t like it either. I get enough stress during the games anyway.

Tomo, how long have you been working with Bosjan Jakse?

Mahoric: We met when I was coaching BC Slovan. He worked with us several months but left.

When I coached Olimpija, I met Bosjan again and invited him to the team. We’ve been working together since then. I think he is the best athletic trainer.