Andrea TRINCHIERI: I can see the players’ aspiration to become the best. Part 3

The results of first two months are impressive – 17 victories in 18 games. Kazan club ranks first in its groups at Eurocup and at VTB United League. Are you satisfied with the team’s play?

A.T.: I cannot say I am fully satisfied. It is too early to make conclusions. Let us wait until the end of the season. But I am glad to see how responsibly the players approach the training, I can see their aspiration to become the best. And it is important in our collaborative work.

You once said that basketball players are humans, not robots, so mistakes are inevitable. Do you think it is possible to evade some serious drops in a separate game or in a cycle?

A.T.: I guess your question is not abstract. Yes, I see this issue with UNICS – we have our rises and falls. There is a reason for a lack of stability. Before the start of the season, 80% of the roster and the entire coaching staff changed. Also, some players lose concentration during the match. As coaches, we work on that. Together, we aim to bring the amount of busts to a minimum. We also waste a lot of time on flights. If the games’ schedule was less busy, we would train more and solve issues faster.

You were dissatisfied with Ian Vougioukas’ game before the start of the season. What can you tell about his current performance?

A.T.: He made the right conclusions and performs well this season. He lost weight and returned to his former shape. I am satisfied with him, but I think he can do better and it is my task as a coach to help him reaching new heights.

What do you think about a popular opinion that the time of classical centers has passed and you need more mobile players?

A.T.: This opinion has the right to exist. But as UNICS’ coach, I have Vougioukas in the center, he is good with his back to the basket and scores for his team. Why should I refuse that? It depends on particular players, some people are better in a certain position, others – in a different one. Every decision needs to have a logical basis.

Has Luke Harangody’s adaptation run over time?

A.T.: No, I do not think so. Luke is a very strong player, he used to play in NBA like Andrew Goudelock and he performed well this season. But we should not forget that this is his first time in Europe. Yes, Andrew adapted to the European basketball sooner. But you cannot compare the players with different styles. Andrew is more focused on the ball, whilst Luke needs to learn team interaction. I think he has a good chance to assert himself in Europe.

What is your basketball philosophy?

A.T.: The end goal is victory, and it is the end result that counts. Sometimes, a team plays brilliantly, but several mistakes in the end of the game bring it all to naught. I stand for good defense and harmony between attack and defense. In my opinion, good defensemen can compensate for timid attacks. The decisions should be made quickly and the ability to make a timely pass is one of the main components of the game. I keep emphasizing that basketball is a team sport, a player should not be greedy about the ball.