Ainars Bagatskis emotional after Ukraine win over Slovakia

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

After an opening loss to Switzerland, Ukraine bounced back with an 80–71 victory over Slovakia in Round 2 of the Prequalifiers.

Yusuf Sanon led the way with 23 points, while Vyacheslav Bobrov added 18 points and eight rebounds. Oleksandr Kovliar contributed 14 points and five assists.

In the postgame press conference, Ukraine’s head coach, Ainars Bagatskis, became emotional.

“I lived and worked in Ukraine. We played basketball at the national team level, took part in the EuroLeague, competed in the EuroCup. We used to fill the arena, there were many spectators and, honestly, I’d say — I wish we could come back sooner. Because for these guys… Sorry for the emotions…” said Bagatskis, struggling to find his words.

The Latvian coach didn’t hold back when talking about the Ukrainian players who play in the NBA and chose not to join the national team, while paying full respect to those in his squad.

“These guys give it their all: they come to the national team, train, sweat, fight. The others… don’t show up,” Bagatskis said.