Kirill Bolshakov:
Oktyabr will put on a show even without Culpepper!

Krasny Oktyabr will open next season with a new head coach. Kirill Bolshakov has extended experience in the Ukrainian Superleague, where he coached Randy Culpepper at Ferro-ZNTU, and he's ready for a new challenge.

Bolshakov shared with VTB-League.com about preparations for the upcoming season, his team's new exciting signings and the club's goals.

- How did you get the offer to take over at Krasny Oktyabr? How unexpected was it?
- I'll tell you right away that the offer wasn't a surprise. Dmitry Gerasimenko and I had already met and discussed the subject beforehand.

- Last season was not easy for the team. Krasny Oktyabr played in both the VTB United League and Eurocup, while the roster had to be remodeled halfway through the season. What goals have you set for yourselves this season?
- We need to move forward, which is why the goals set by our president are as follows: reach the Eurocup Top 16 and finish in the top eight of the VTB United League. We're capable of all that.

- Tell us about your work in the Ukrainian Superleague. How did you achieve so much success with Ferro-ZNTU (the team finished third three times and twice won the Ukrainian Cup)?
- I worked in the Ukrainian Superleague for a long time. It was always an interesting competition. The level of the league was quite high a few years ago. We had quality foreign players, which helped us maintain that level and help the Ukrainian players improve. Naturally, there were always clubs in the league that had more financial flexibility. Ferro-ZNTU could never afford expensive purchases, even in the best of times, which is why we tried to be efficient. Every season, we managed to beat the league favorites a handful of times and compete well in the postseason, which brought a result.

- You coached Volgograd favorite Randy Culpepper at Ferro-ZNTU. He's known both for his talent and his complicated personality. How did you succeed in channeling his energy in the right direction?
- Randy Culpepper is a very exciting player. Even fans of other teams love him. They love him for his emotions. He's all emotion. When he's using his emotions, he plays the way we're used to seeing him. But when not, he gets sulky. His passion always has to be directed at overcoming his opponent and the game itself. It worked out for us, which is why I didn't have any real problems with Culpepper. All I can do now is wish Randy luck at his new club.

- Now he's gone to France to play for Limoges. Who do you think will be the new leader and showman at Krasny Oktyabr?
- It's not that easy to just appoint a leader. It's the person who plays their best in the clutch and leads the team. Only time can reveal a leader. Putting on a show? If there's going to be a show, then there will be showmen. We have a lot of candidates right now. I'm confident that Oktyabr will put on a show even without Culpepper!

- The club added five Americans: D.J. Cooper, Richard Guinn, JaJuan Johnson, Jordan Hamilton and Tony Mitchell. Tell us about their strengths.
- Cooper had a great season at Enisey Krasnoyarsk. He's a good playmaker, sees the court extremely well and can always score himself when needed. He's also a good defender, which is always valued at that position.

Guinn is a player that I'm very familiar with from our work at Ferro-ZNTU. He's a good team player who has rare abilities. Because of his size, he should be a center, but in terms of skills, he's a guard. He can handle the ball, pass and shoot. The most important thing is that Richard is a true professional. I worked with him for two and a half years. He was always the first person at practice and the last one to leave. If he feels like he's missing something, you don't have to get on him for it. He'll stay himself and do what needs to get done.

JaJuan Johnson's only shown half of what he's capable of during the last two seasons in Europe. I think he'll have outstanding stats and very helpful to the team on both ends of the floor. He's got everything necessary to be one of the best.

Jordan Hamilton is very gifted physically and got a solid foundation at the University of Texas before playing in the NBA. He can shoot, drive the ball, pass and he understands the game. The only negative is that he's never played in Europe.

Our most recent signing is Tony Mitchell. He's a quick, athletic player and fairly versatile. He's been successful in America and in Europe. Winning the Serie A MVP is a very serious honor.

- D.J. Cooper led the league in assists last season and set the record for assists in a game. How important is it to have a pass-first player on the roster?
- I always want players to be versatile. I want them to be able to organize an offense, score, pass the ball and defend. Of course, a point guard has to be able to pass the ball and Cooper has never had trouble with that. He creates a lot of exciting moments.

- Krasny Oktyabr is known for up-tempo basketball. At least, that's what the team has done in the past. Which style do you prefer?
- I don't hold to any one philosophy. I favor the approach that helps the team win a given game or series. Everything depends on the players you have, which determines the direction you need to go.

- What type of team would be ideal for modern basketball or at least close to the ideal?
- I use three criteria to evaluate any team. The first is their ability to win and take home titles. The second is the ratio of cost to quality. The third is attendance, love from the fans and the emotions they give their fans. If all three come together, then I think you can call that team nearly ideal. Krasny Oktyabr will strive for that.

- How are preparations for the season coming along?
- Right now we are at training camp in the Lithuanian city of Palanga. The first stage of preparations are underway. We're laying the foundation for our team's play and helping the newcomers adapt. We already managed to play in a few exhibition games and we'll play in a few international tournaments later on.

- Would you say that working at Krasny Oktyabr is a big test for you?
- Yes, a very interesting stage in my career is starting. I won't say that I'm not nervous. Of course, I care a lot. I want to do a good job.