Kosushkin after win: Skele makes others better, Sears is the driving force
VEF Riga beat their opponent 106-83 at home in a European cup game. Coach Kosushkin praised the team's energy and highlighted the roles of Aigars Skele and Jordan Sears.
Basketball club VEF Riga celebrated a win in front of its home fans in a European cup game, prevailing 106-83. After the match, head coach Kosushkin highlighted the players' energy and commitment.
The coach said he was pleased first of all by the victory itself, and by how the players responded to a less successful first quarter. He also commended the reserves, who brought energy and helped considerably, as well as the team's leaders, who played a good game.
Defence and playing style
Among the negatives, Kosushkin pointed to defence, admitting the team could have conceded fewer points, though he added that it is all relative. On its half of the court the team played with an emphasis on stealing the ball. Asked whether this approach might change when facing a side with a stronger frontcourt, the coach replied briefly: that is the team's style, and if something has to be changed, it will be.
The roles of Skele and Sears
Kosushkin called Aigars Skele a "coach on the floor" whom the team trusts and who justifies that trust. He said Skele is the playmaker and Jordan Sears the scorer, but he would not want to single out just two players, as the team has several good combinations. In his view, Skele makes the others better, while Sears is the driving force.
Preparation and upcoming games
VEF Riga played its last Latvian-Estonian league game on Saturday. Recalling his own playing career in Ventspils, Kosushkin said that back then preparation for a European cup match lasted a week, but that is no longer the case.
The team's next European cup game is on 14 October, away against Baku's Neftchi. The next home fixture in Riga is on 28 October, when Greek club Mykonos visits Latvia.
