Viktor Khryapa:
This Was The Best Season In Eight Years!

Following the conclusion of another VTB United League season, CSKA captain Viktor Khryapa spoke with VTB-League.com.

The 33-year-old Russian made a quick return from injury this spring, getting back to peak condition in time for the Euroleague Final Four and VTB United League playoffs. It's tough to overestimate Khryapa's impact on CSKA's success.

Viktor admitted to VTB-League.com that he still hasn't considered retirement, noted the level of competition in the league, recalled his most successful seasons at CSKA and thanked the fans for their support.

- What's it like to be VTB United League champions? What are you feeling right now?
- I'm really happy that we managed to reach all of our goals. We finally get to enjoy our wins in the VTB United League and Euroleague. Some of us will go relax; Milos Teodosic and Nando De Colo will join their national teams to participate in qualifying for the Olympics. I hope everyone on my team finds success and enjoys vacation.

- Was this CSKA's toughest final in recent years?
- We had had very difficult final series before this, too. Our opponents always have extra motivation against CSKA, so we have to earn every win. No one just lets us win.

- In your opinion, has the level of the league improved?
- Definitely, the level of the VTB United League was very high this year. The regular season showed that it's very important to battle in every game in order to avoid rivals in the first round, like what happened to Lokomotiv-Kuban in the quarterfinals vs. Khimki. The fact that two teams from the VTB United League played in the Euroleague Final Four was also indicative and a first for the league.

- The Army Men won the VTB United League and Euroleague, as well as the VTB United Youth League and junior championship. Was this the best season in CSKA history?
- I think we had similarly successful seasons in 2005-06 and 2007-08, for example, when we won in the Euroleague. We also won the Russian Cup in years past. I think it's better to say that this was our best season in eight years.

- You were the main hero of the Euroleague finals and a key player in the VTB United League finals... Have you thought about going out on a high note?
- No, I haven't thought about that yet. I have an option in my contract; everything depends on the club. If I thought about retiring every season on a high note, I would have quit playing at age 20.

- The NBA Finals are on right now. Are you rooting for your countrymen: Timofey Mozgov and Sasha Kaun?
- Yes, I am really cheering for them. I didn't follow the NBA at all in the past, but now I've got a reason to watch the finals.

- CSKA fans will remember this season for a long time. Now that the final game has been played, you have a chance to thank them for their support.
- A huge thank you to them! Our fans can celebate all of these wins with us. They followed us everywhere this season and were great supporters: at the Euroleague Final Four, where they made themselves heard and in the VTB United League, where we had a lot of fans come to our away games in Kazan. I'm really happy that the fans are always with us no matter the outcome. Today's win belongs to everyone.