BC  Kyiv’s center Viacheslav Kravtsov, who is currently one of the brightest Ukrainian prospects, had a breakthrough season in 2007/08, despite the predictions of numerous doubters last summer.  Although he averaged just 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game over 21 Superleague contests, Slava got a chance to play consistent minutes and gain the much needed confidence.

“Everything started last fall in Treviso in our first ULEB Cup game against Benetton”, said Viacheslav in his interview with his team’s website. “Tomo Mahoric put me in the starting lineup then and it was a real surprise to me as well as to all the players. But I didn’t let him them down. Kyiv won and I became a lot more confident having realized I was really a part of the team”.

You must have had some concerns prior to the start of the season – Mahoric had a number of big men that were more experienced than you were.

“Yeah, when I saw the lineup I was sure I would spend the season on the bench – it’s very hard for a young player to get in the rotation in a situation like that. I was afraid I would be rented out to some weak team where I would be able to play”.

Still, last season was your best so far. Did you look through the press to check what they write about you?

“Honestly – yes. It was nice to see what they wrote. But I kept reminding myself to work hard and not take anything for granted. I was very pleased with our performance in the ULEB Cup, where most teams underestimated Kyiv and we surprised them by getting into the Top 16. It was nice to be a part of that”.

Kyiv recently got a new coach. Have you had a chance to meet him?

“Yeah, we already had a few practices where Sasa checked out our young players. I can say that he left a good impression. He knows good stuff for big men and I am looking forward to seeing what he’ll teach me next season”.