Nando De Colo:
Stepping Up In Big Moments Is My Job

Nando De Colo played a big role in CSKA's win against rivals Khimki on Monday night. The French guard scored 18 points, recorded a big block on Tyrese Rice in the final minutes and drew 11 fouls with his aggressive play.

De Colo spoke with VTB-League.com about the game and his performance, giving credit to his teammates for the important victory.

- Was this CSKA's most difficult win of the season?
- Yes, Khimki is a tough opponent. It's not easy to beat them. They have a lot of talented players: Tyrese Rice, Petteri Koponen, Paul Davis...They were tough down the stretch. I'm glad we were able to secure the win in the end.

- Khimki came back from a 16-point deficit in the second half...
- We really tried to focus on our own game, which worked in the first half. Of course, we prepared for Khimki and how they play, but anything can happen in a basketball game. It's going to be a long, difficult season. What's important now is that we managed to beat our opponent.

- You sparked the team to victory in the final minutes. Are you used to taking over down the stretch?
- That's what I'm supposed to do. It's my job and it's what separates good and bad players. I hit three free throws and a 3-pointer on instinct and experience. For the most part, I was on autopilot. I had an impact in the final minutes, but credit to the whole team for the final result.

- Were you also on autopilot for your big block?
- Of course. After I lost the ball, I sprinted back on defense and stopped the fast break. As long as you don't give up, you can reach your goals.

- How will injuries to three big men (Joel Freeland, Vyacheslav Kravtsov and Ivan Lazarev) affect the team?
- We're still a team. Of course, it's never easy when several players get injured at the start of the season, but like I said before: "It's going to be a long season." Each player is responsible now for those who aren't on the court.

- You were recently named Player of the Year in France. How much does that award mean to you?
- It's a big honor. The Alain Gilles award is more motivation to get better and improve both on and off the court.