The head coach of the Ukrainian national basketball team, Ainars Bagatskis, commented on the victory over Slovakia in the pre-qualification for the 2027 World Championship. This was reported by 'Glavkom' referencing 'Tribuna'.
«I was in Ukraine. We played basketball at the national team level in the Euroleague and Eurocup. And the halls were full, there were many spectators. Indeed, I would say that I want to return as soon as possible, because for these guys… Excuse my emotions. Yes, these guys dedicate themselves, come to the national team, train, sweat, fight. Some, excuse me, bastards… do not come to the national team», – said Bagatskis.
Recall that before the start of the pre-qualification for the 2027 World Championship, Bagatskis announced that Ukrainian basketball players who play in the USA refused to play for the national team. Among those who refused were Svyatoslav Mikhailiuk, Alexey Len, Maxim Shulga, and Dmitry Skapintsev.
Pre-qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Tour 2
Ukraine – Slovakia 80:71 (24-24, 21-14, 17-14, 18-19)
The next match against Switzerland will take place on August 16 under the guidance of Bagatskis.
Pre-qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Tour 1
Ukraine – Switzerland 64:66 (14-18, 13-12, 20-15, 17-21)
Ukraine: Kovlyar 12 + 10 rebounds, Tyrtyshnyk 3, Tkachenko 13, Kovalyov 11, Bobrov 9 + 6 rebounds – starting; Kravtsov 7, Lipovoy 5 + 6 rebounds, Sanon 4 + 7 rebounds, Konev 0, Sushkin 0
It was also reported that the Ukrainian women's youth national basketball team lost to Serbia with a score of 57:98 at the European Championship in Division B.
After a heavy defeat in the first round, the Ukrainian national basketball team showed true character and achieved victory over the team from Slovakia. The players demonstrated a high level of play and a great desire to win. The next important match is coming soon, and the Ukrainian athletes are ready for new challenges.