Basketball player Artem Kovalov: "Maybe Stepanovskyi somehow didn't like me, since he didn't call me up to the national team"

The Ukrainian men's national basketball team continues to fight in the second stage of World Cup qualifying 2027. After an important victory over Greece, the blue-and-yellows will play their next qualifying match on 31 August, this time away against Montenegro. Ainars Bagatskis' team will play in Podgorica at the Moraca Sports Center, where another tough test awaits them.

On the eve of the match, Hlavenkom spoke with one of the national team members, Artem Kovalov. The basketball player talked about his path to the national team, periods of his career in Ukraine and abroad, and recalled several special moments that helped shape him as a player.

"We lost to the USA, but it was incredible because we were representing our country at the Universiade"

Artem Kovalov (top row) together with other Ukrainian players made history in domestic basketball thanks to the Universiade silver 2019

photo: Basketball Federation of Ukraine

You were part of the team that won silver at the Universiade — one of the biggest successes in the history of Ukrainian basketball. What memories do you have of that tournament and how do you evaluate it for yourself?

It was such an unexpected challenge because I had just recovered from an injury, but I made the roster. The biggest memory is probably the final against the USA. Yes, we lost, but it was incredible because we were representing our country at the Universiade. We were set on winning, but we fell a bit short, got a little nervous. But still, the final itself is the biggest memory from the Universiade.

In the final you faced future NBA player Hunter Blayze Tyson. He scored a lot of points then, including many three-pointers. In hindsight, how does it feel to have played against him?

Honestly, I don't really know what to say. He is a fairly ordinary player, and I wouldn't single out anything special. I was more focused on the guy who now played in the EuroCup in Venice (referring to Aamyr Simza), and he showed a fairly decent level.

"Maybe Stepanovskyi somehow didn't like me or there were some other reasons"

Ainars Bagatskis trusted you during World Cup qualifying 2019 year, and later, when the team was headed by Vitalii Stepanovskyi, you, unfortunately, did not play for the national team. How can you comment on that?

That was the coach's decision. Maybe he somehow didn't like me or there were some other reasons.

That was especially painful given that you and Stepanovskyi went through the journey together at Khimik and at the Universiade. Was there any other communication between you then, or did it remain strictly professional?

Our communication was more work-related. We spoke only at practices. Of course, we had to talk there, but outside of basketball life we hardly crossed paths.

After Ainars Bagatskis called you back to the national team for the first time after that pause, were there any feelings that you needed to prove something with the national team?

I didn't have such thoughts, because I just went to do my job. For me it was, of course, very pleasant, because I also worked with Ainars at Kyiv-Basket. I have known him as a coach for a long time and understood well what he expected of me.

You talked a lot about injuries. Specifically, if I remember correctly, you had knee problems. How much do these injuries affect you now, during your career?

Regarding my knee, I had two serious ACL injuries. Probably I need to do a bit more warm-up and stretching before training and in the evening before I go to bed. But now it doesn't bother me anymore. When I play, I feel fine.

"I believe that after the war there will be a lot of people at the games, because everyone has missed the national team's matches"

Artem Kovalov played a lot in the Ukrainian championship

photo: FIBA

You played in Ukraine for Khimik and Kyiv-Basket. How would you compare these two clubs in terms of play and atmosphere?

Probably Khimik had a more disciplined atmosphere — both in training and off the court. At Kyiv-Basket I had more freedom; they trusted me more, so to speak. I believe Khimik made me a player. And Kyiv-Basket together with Ainars Bagatskis made me a national team player.

Ukrainian basketball is going through hard times because of the war. Before the full-scale invasion many fans attended games and actively supported teams. Do you think we have a chance to bring that atmosphere back after the war?

Of course. I believe that after the war there will be a lot of people, because everyone has missed the games, especially the national team's matches. I believe that when the war ends, the Palace of Sports in Kyiv will have a full house and a very cool atmosphere.

You played a lot in Asia, in various countries, and generally traveled that region a lot. In your opinion, how does Asia differ most from Europe?

In basketball terms, there's more freedom there. It's not like the coach will yell at you and so on. People there just treat matches as a hobby. They enjoy basketball. There isn't that when you lose everyone is very disappointed. So for me it was very surprising, especially the first year, because we lost, and after the game everyone celebrates, everyone has fun. And how is it with us? We lose — and everyone is very disappointed. In Europe basketball is more like work, and therefore there's more responsibility in Europe than in Asia.

Speaking of the different Asian countries you've visited, which one impressed you most both in terms of basketball and overall?

I think Japan was a very cool country. I really liked it there. Yes, I got there at the end of the playoff season, but I liked it a lot. And probably Taiwan, where I was last time, also impressed me. A new country, new customs, everything very new and interesting.

Illia Mandebura

Hlavenkom