Ramel Curry:
The ukrainian borsch - it's super!

American guard of the Ukrainian «Azovmash» Ramel Curry can rightfully pretend to the title of «MVP» of the current regular season of VTB United League. Ramel Curry received the title of MVP for the second time this season - he has got the title of MVP in the 6-th round ( two titles of MVP were received by the well-known American guard of the Lithuanian «Zalgiris» Markus Brown in the championship-2009/10). But the main thing is that mainly due to good game of Curry, the "Azov Lions" continue to struggle to get to the «Final four» of VTB United League. The fate of the last position in the quartet of the strongest teams will be decided in the final round when «Azovmash» will play with the Lithuanian «Zalgiris».

About the attitude toward the titles of MVP, the chances to win in Kaunas, the Mariupol fans and the Ukrainian borsch - in the interview of Ramel Curry to our web-site.

- Ramel congratulations with the second title of MVP of the tour! What do you feel?
- I am American and I am especially pleased to receive the title of MVP. It indicates that you played well, your game has been noticed as the best one. But it is especially nice when your good game coincides with the result of the team. For me the team's success has always stand above my own achievements. The game with VEF was really important for us. We lost to the Latvians in the 3-rd round and wanted to take a revenge. I am glad that we could to do it

- Are you personally interested  in playing in VTB United League?
- Yes of course. . It is always pleasant to play in a well organized club tournament, which brings together a very strong teams from Euroleague and European Cup. We are in a very strong group «B» and I am glad that «Azovmash» could prove among the European grandees. We still have a chance to get to the «Final four» of VTB League.  Our fate will be decided  when we will play with the Lithuanian «Zalgiris».

- So, in your opinion how «Azovmash» can defeat such titled and star contender as «Zalgiris»?
- 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!

- Do you like working under the direction of the Lithuanian coach Rolandas Jarutis?
- Rolandas – is a very active and demanding coach. I am interested to work with him. I think his optimism and charge is enough for the whole team. He knows «Azovmash» inside - he knows the strengths and weaknesses of all players. This is very good.

- Ramel, what do you  like to do on the court most?
- To play basketball (smiles). I like to do everything on the court. To make three-point shots, playi in defense, play for my partners. Basketball - is a command game and to achieve something in it you should play for the team not being afraid to do the rough work.

- You were born in America, weren't you?
- Yes, I was born in New York. My family still lives in New York. That's where I started to make first steps in basketball. I have been playing  for the «Columbus Riverdragons» and «Austin Toros» in the D-League (NBA Development League). Then i have been playing  in Italy for «Avellino» and «Skavolini». Also in the championships of Turkey and Israel. In January 2010, I accepted an offer to play for the Ukrainian «Azovmash». I love this team, players, the organizational work of the club. I can say that I am happy with my choice.

- Did you think about prolongation of the contract with the Ukrainian team?
- Now the season is in full swing. And it is too early to talk about where I'll be playing in the next season. Now I am a player of «Azovmash», and all my thoughts are associated only with this team.

- How do you like living in Riga? You probably already have a favorite place in this city …
- I like the city. But a lot of games and trainings do not allow me to walk around the city a lot. As for my favorite places, we often go to restaurant «Pasta Project». There are excellent cooks and good service there.

- What about the Ukrainian food?
- I like it. I like the Ukrainian borsch! This is - super! I recommend it to try for All foreigners ...

- What can you say about 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.

- At the end of our interview. Do you know, that MVP in the regular season of VTB United League will get a special prize - the Korean SsangYong Rexton off-road car?
- No, I did not know about it. But this is a good news (laughs). Very cool to get the title of MVP of the regular season, and moreover even car in addition!