The captain of CSKA Moscow, Victor Khryapa spoke to paobc.gr about the “Diamonds Are Forever” tournament and about Dimitris Diamantidis.
-Can you give us 3 words that characterize Dimitris Diamantidis?
Versatile, athletic, fighter.
-Do you remember a characteristic moment from the career of Dimitris Diamantidis?
I cannot say that I followed his career closely and watched most of the games. In the games that we play against each other Dimitris did not do something extraordinary like scoring the game-winning basket or something else. Still as an all-around player, was always leading his team with good numbers in scoring, rebounds, assists, playing great defense.
-How difficult will it be for Panathinaikos Superfoods and for the Greek basketball to find a new replacement for Dimitris Diamantidis?
It is impossible to replace Diamantidis. Panathinaikos Superfoods should focus on developing the next generation of players, and these young guys will anyway be very different.
-What is the goal of your team for the new season?
Our goal remains the same, as always: to win every game and take the titles in all the tournaments where we participate.
-How important is it for your team to compete in a tournament with such strong opponents in a packed OΑΚΑ?
The preseason games are always important, especially the ones in Greece and dedicated to the players like Dimitris Diamantidis. So we will try to take those games seriously and be well-prepared.
-What is your opinion about Panathinaikos Superfoods of the new season?
Obviously it is very difficult to give any estimates right now before the season started, taking into consideration that the team changed the head coach and had some major roster losses and signings in the offseason. Still I believe that Panathinaikos Superfoods will be competitive and sets its goals very high.
