BC Kyiv begin their quest for EuroChallenge glory on Tuesday when they host KK Zagreb.

The Ukrainian team has had some solid runs in Europe in recent seasons.

In 2005,  they reached the FIBA Europe League Final and one year later finished third in the EuroCup.

Last season, Kyiv made it to the Quarter-Finals under former boss Sasa Obradovic before falling to Cholet.

Kyiv's head coach Vitaliy Cherniy talked to the media at an open-door practice on Monday, 24 hours ahead of the opener against Zagreb and gave some insight to his approach this season.

"My coaching philosophy is based on defense," he said.

"But if you want to play good defense, you must be a hard worker and sometimes you should step over yourself. This is the only one way to become a good player and to reach your goals. So, during our practices, we're paying a lot of attention to defense."

Kyiv could hardly have asked for a tougher home opener, and Cherniy knows it.

"Tomorrow we'll face very good, organized team with a number of talented players," he said.

"Coach Denis Bajramovic has already built a team with extra class. They showed it once again on Saturday, when Zagreb beat Partizan(Belgrade) in the Adriatic League.

"Of course, this win was important in a mental aspect, because the Croatian team will come to Kyiv in a good mood."

Indeed, KK Zagreb have been one of the big surprises in the Adriatic League, winning seven of their first nine games.

The side has a couple of very important players from recent times in center Ante Tomic, who had 24 points and 11 rebounds against Partizan, and sharpshooter Krunoslav Simon.

They also have former Croatia international Damir Mulaomerovic, whose two late free-throws against Partizan sealed the 85-83 win.

"I am very proud of my players," Bajramovic said. "Partizan is such a great club and to win against them is especially nice."

Cherniy also has cause for optimism heading into the opener after a 78-66 victory over Azovmash at the weekend.

"We're also in good condition," Cherniy said.

"Our last game in the Ukrainian Superleague against Azovmash was extremely hard, but we have had time to recharge ourselves."

Denys Lukashov had 21 points, eight assists, eight rebounds and two steals in that triumph for Kyiv.  

"We have had enough material to analyze the style of our opponent," Cherniy said.

"They are a really good team in transition offense. Also they fight for each rebound, so our centers will have to pay attention in the paint."

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