It is an everyday occurrence in sportsmen’s life, when the playing level declines with the age. In the life of Zaza Pachulia, central defender and Georgian national team’s captain, so far everything happens just the opposite. During playing for “Milwaukee Bucks”, 2014-15 season was the best for 30-year-old Pachulia.

He was a frequent member of the starting five. For him, it became usual to score double doubles in each meeting. Despite this, his and Milwaukee’s ways still parted. In 2015-2016 Pachulia will play for “Dallas Mavericks” Texas.

We interviewed Pachulia after the open workout of the national team held for media in Tbilisi Sports Palace. As you know, the Georgian national basketball team prepares for Euro-2015. He was in a hurry, but still agreed to talk with us. Recall that from September 5, Zagreb (capital of Croatia) hosts C group matches of Euro-2015 and the teams of Georgia, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Macedonia and Netherlands take part in it.

-The Georgian national team already held two control matches and faced Bosnia. “Crusaders” won 1 and lost the same. What do you think, what impression does the team leave in these meetings?

-We have not played badly, but still far from the desired form. There is still time and I believe that on September 5, the team will be ready.

-The leader of Bosnia’s team, Mirza Teletovic refused to play for the team at this stage. How the team of Bosnia looked like without him?

-Besides Teletovic, the team lacked other leaders too. However, the team still left a good impression.

-What can you say about naturalized Jacob Pullen, who returned to the Georgian national team after a few years break?

-His progress is visible. Hopefully, Jacob will lend a big assistance to the team.

-Unlike precious, strong composition assembled for Tbilisi Hall Cup, which will take place on August 14-16 in Tbilisi Sports Palace. Who is the main competitor for our team?

-Despite the great respect to Latvia and Estonia, I think Italy is a major competitor for our team.

-What can you tell us about C group, where our team is playing? In your opinion, who is a favorite of this group?

-I think Croatia and Greece have the big chance.

-Do you think Macedonia and Netherlands are the outsiders of the group?

-There are no weak teams at the final stage of the European Championship, and if you do not take this seriously, you will be punished.

-Now, Let’s talk about the club. How it happened so that after the great season you appeared in the new club?

-This was unexpected even for me. I had a great confidence from the head coach of “Milwaukee” and the players. Unlike previous years, we played the last season very well and the team played in play off. I also applied some contribution to this success. Despite all of this, one day my agent tells me to collect things and go to Texas, because you already are the member of “Dallas Mavericks”. If we take into consideration the fact that “Dallas” has much more rich traditions that “Milwaukee”, I did not know be happy with this news or not.

-Finally what happened, this news made you happy or not?

-Obviously, I was delighted. I will do my best not to disappoint “Dallas” and my fans.

-And finally, about the Euro-2015. What is the goal of the Georgian national team at the final stage of Euro-2015?

-The main goal is to overcome group stage and the future shows us the rest.