Journalists named Kote Tugushi, player of Georgian national basketball team and “Army” (Super League), as the best player of the first circle of 20th national championship.
It is worth mentioning, that in the first circle of the championship, Tugushi made two triple doubles and became the best player of the round three times.
Besides the national championship, “World Sport” talked to Tugushi about the ballot of EuroBasket 2011 and the national team.
- Are you satisfied with the results of the ballot?
- Of course, I am. We can fight for top 3.
- Why is Group D (Slovenia, Russia, Belgium, Georgia, Bulgaria, Ukraine) the best variant?
- The strongest teams are in the first group (Spain, Serbia, Greece). Many Georgian basketball players have played in Slovenia. Now, two members of our national team – Vladimir Boisa and Giorgi Shermadini are playing for “Olimpija” Ljubljana. Nika Tskhitishvili, Manuchar Markoishvili and I had also played in Slovenia.
So, we all know Slovenian basketball well. Also, we know Russia, Belgium, Bulgaria and Ukraine better than other teams.
- Which team do you consider as a favorite of the group?
- Slovenia and Russia are favorites of the group. All other teams have a chance to take the 3rd place and to go through the second stage.
- How do you think, how many victories will be necessary to go through the 2nd stage?
- It is difficult to say it. Perhaps, number of balls will be decisive.
- You hardly beat TSU in the semifinal of Georgian Cup but in the final, you gained victory easily…
- We considered MIA as the main favorite and learnt the club well at Slovenian meeting. That is why, we achieved victory so easily. As for TSU, we did not expect such resistance from students and we were almost punished for it.
- Now, let us talk about the national championship. You have been the only basketball player who makes triple doubles recently. You have already collected 2 triple doubles in the first circle of the current championship. It played a key role and we named you as the best basketball player of the first circle…
- Thank you very much. I will do my best to player better.
- Perhaps, “Army” considers MIA as the main opponent at the championship…
- “Sokhumi”, TSU and “Kutaisi-2010” have good teams but MIA is the main opponent.
Roland Labuchidze
