Rolandas Jarutis:
Many can only dream of such fans as in Mariupol

One of the discoveries of the second season of VTB United League, of course, was the Ukrainian «Azovmash». After victories in the last two rounds of the group round over the Lithuanian «Zalgiris» and the Polish «Asseco Prokom» club from Mariupol made a serious bid to get to the «Final Four»! It is remarkable that progress in game of «Azov lions» fell on the time when the acting head coach became a former player - a young and emotional Lithuanian expert Rolandas Jarutis who inspired the players to new exploits.

About the difficult victories, the importance of game discipline, the leadership qualities MVP of 6-th round Rumel Curry, about change of profession and Mariupol fans – in an interview with Rolandas Jarutis.

- First of all, congratulations on the victory over the Polish «Asseco-Prokom» in the 6-th round. This success has greatly increased the chances of «Azovmash» to get to the «Final Four» of VTB United League. Please, tell how was it possible to win the team of your fellow countryman Tomas Pacesas?
- The game in Poland was really very important for us and we were preparing hard for it. I am very glad that my players during the Christmas holidays had good rest after hard first half of the season. I saw that the players were really missing basketball. I think we have surpassed «Prokom» in speed, and it became one of the key reasons for our victory. Also the good game discipline helped us too.

- Ramel Curry made a major contribution to the victory for your team in Gdynia. As a result, he was recognized as MVP of the 6-th round. What can you say about the game of you shooting guard?
- Ramel – is a real team leader. He is the most stable in our team and he rightly got this title. I hope that Ramel will continue to play on the same high level.
Also, I am very happy and for other players who got the title of MVP. To the point, Demetrius Alexander and Maxim Pustozvonov have got this title earlier in the first and fifth round. It means that "Azovmash" is on the right way and we should not turn off from the set course.

- And what can you tell about recent acquisition of «Azovmash» – the Croatian centre Drago Pashalic. Was he able to adapt under the game schemes of the team?
- Drago is a representative of very good school of basketball and it wasn’t difficult for him to join the ranks of the team quickly and to understand our philosophy. I am very glad that in «Azov lions» team there is a centre with well-placed shot. I hope that Drago will quickly get the optimum form and will show the game, similar to that he showed in Gdynia.

- «Azovmash» wait even more serious tests. In the 7-th round the leader of the group «B»- the Russian club «Khimki» will arrive to Mariupol …
- We know our contender perfectly – it is one of the strongest teams not only in Russia, but also in Europe. «Khimki» is a formidable opponent for any team. It is good that we will play at home, but playing with «Khimki» the support of tribunes will not be enough for us. Each player coming to the playground in sport jersey of «Azovmash» necessarily should be extremely focused on the game. That is the only way we can win. The outcome of this game will depend on our fate in the VTB United League.

- So, in your opinion how «Azovmash» can defeat such titled and star contender as «Khimki»?
- First of all, due to gaming discipline, that should start precisely from defense. If we show good game in defense and skills in attack - we can win!
However, I will notice that except «Khimki» we wait the difficult game with the Latvian VEF and Kaunas «Zalgiris».

- By the way About «Zalgiris». It was pleasant for you to win the compatriots in Mariupol, wasn’t it?
- It always nice to win «Zalgiris», especially this season when the club from Kaunas shows a very good basketball. I watch closely the performance of my compatriots and enjoy their results. Top players play in the team and they have good chances to hit the «Top 16» of Euroleague.

- And have you faced any psychological problems with players with whom you together went on the parquet and were as equals not long ago?
- Players of «Azovmash» - are professionals. They concluded the contracts not with me, but with club. The club puts a problem before the trainer and players that we should carry out together! That's all.

- Rolandas, this season you started as a player and now you are the acting head coach of «Azovmash». Was it difficult for such a short time to change profession? What factors contributed to such decision?
- After the end of my career of the player, I wanted to start a new career – the career of a coach. At the same time I realized what difficulties await me on the road. But if you fear to do something – its better not to do anything. I'm not one of those people who avoid difficulties. Besides, I know perfectly well the «Azovmash» team and its players - their strengths and weaknesses. So it was a bit easier for me. But as a coach I still have much to study.

- In the National Championship «Azovmash» occupies now the 4-Th place. Do you have any chance to compete for gold medals?
- There are chances and we will do our best to repeat the last year's success. This season we have a very busy schedule of games. We participate in many tournaments and unfortunately we have not efforts to carry out all of the games at a high level. Plus - it's the player’s injuries that do not allow showing our best basketball. I hope that in the second half of the season we will be able to overcome all difficulties and will approach the playoffs in optimal shape. There are preconditions for this purpose.

- At the end of our interview what can you wish to the fans of «Azovmash» ...
- Many can only dream about such fans as in Mariupol. I wish them to remain the same dedicated to the team. And we, in turn, will try not to fail.