BC Kyiv’s assistant coach and Ukraine U-20 men’s head coach Denys Zhuravliov was interviewed prior to the NT’s departure to Russia for a friendly tournament. This is what he had to say to BC Kyiv’s official website:

“We just finished a training camp in Mykolaiv and I would like to mention that it was organized at a very high level. We stayed in a great hotel with good food and had the gym at our disposal almost 24\7. When the players are treated like that they want to perform at the highest possible level.

“The time the players spent together was also important. Some used to go to the beach together, some to the movies. But don’t think we had too much free time on our hands.

“During our camp in Mykolaiv we played three friendly games against Israel’s U-20 team. We were completely unprepared physically for the first match and lost it by 1. But we improved dramatically and confidently one the remaining contests.

“What was also important is that we are getting used to playing three games back-to-back – the format that will be used at the Eurobasket. We are also heading to Moscow on July 24, where we’ll play Russia, Italy and Croatia.

“After that we’ll return to Kyiv on July 28, will practice once and will head to Riga, where we’ll face Lithuanian on August 1.

“I would say we are about 70% ready for the European championship, but should reach top form in the remaining days.

“BC Kyiv’s players Denys Lukashov and Andrei Novikov are doing quite well. I am pleased with how all the guys are doing”.