Ukrainian Basketball Star Kovliar Shatters Records in 2027 World Cup Qualifiers

Ahead of the Clash with Denmark

According to Главком: On July 5, 2026, the Ukrainian men's national basketball team will play their final match of the first qualifying round for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, facing Denmark on the road. On the eve of this crucial game, team leader Oleksandr Kovliar shared his thoughts in an interview conducted by Illia Mandebura in Farum, Denmark.

Kovliar, Ukraine's point guard, emphasized that trust among players is a key ingredient for the team's success. 'The most important thing is that there is trust in me,' he stated. He also highlighted the value of teamwork, adding, 'We have great basketball communication.' Kovliar noted the squad's talent and pointed out that Maksym Shulha, who scored points in the NBA playoffs for the Boston Celtics, would be 'a good option' for the national team.

Experience and Ambition

Kovliar, who plays for the Montenegrin club Budućnost, has set multiple personal records during the 2027 World Cup qualifiers and became Ukraine's all-time top scorer in the national team jersey. He also reflected on his experience playing against Montenegro during the 2019 World Cup qualifiers, noting that Montenegro has 'good players and a strong coaching staff.'

Kovliar: 'They know how to prepare well for games, and they have naturalized American players, so they will be a very tough opponent.'

The Ukrainian team is coached by Ainars Bagatskis. Kovliar has competed with Budućnost in three tournaments this season: the EuroCup, the Adriatic League, and the Montenegrin championship, with the club prioritizing the EuroCup. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk recently rejoined the squad for matches against Georgia and Denmark, further boosting Ukraine's chances for strong performances in upcoming competitions.

Ukraine's men's team holds serious ambitions in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, and the game against Denmark marks a critical step toward achieving those goals.

This matchup is pivotal for Ukraine, as success could significantly shape the team's path to the World Cup. Kovliar and his teammates fully grasp the stakes and are determined to deliver their best performance. With rising competition on the international stage, the squad's ability to communicate and work together effectively will be essential to securing a positive outcome.

As the Ukrainian team prepares for this pivotal match, understanding Denmark's strengths becomes crucial. Coach Ainars Bagatskis has pinpointed the main threats posed by the Danish squad, which could significantly impact the outcome of the game. To delve deeper into these insights and how they might influence the match strategy, read more about Denmark's key players and tactics.