Asen Hristov: An Israeli team will make the league better


Asen Hristov: An Israeli team will make the league better
Kopel, Shtiks and Hristov (Photo:Balkanleague.net)
06-02-2009 15:20

Asen Hristov, the chairman of the EUROHOLD company (main sponsor of the Balkan League) - Asen Hristov - just came back from Israel, where he was a guest of the local basketball league, along with Shay Shtriks and Lubomira Genova. There they had a work meeting with Avner Kopel (chairman of the Israeli "Winner" League) and Edli Markus (its general manager). They discussed the opportunity of an Israeli team joining the Eurohold Balkan League for its second season. It would not be a precedent, as a few years ago Maccabi Tel Aviv took part in one of the seasons of the Adriatic League. We talked to Mr. Hristov, who was kind enough to answer a few questions and reveal some details about that meeting in Israel.
 
- Mr. Hristov, we learned there is a chance of an Israeli team joining the Eurohold Balkan League next season. How did the meeting go in Israel, and what will be the effect of the addition of a team from that country to the League?
- The meeting went peffectly. We discussed the possible addition of an Israeli team, as well as a local TV company being interested in broadcasting live games. It will definitely be all positive for the League and will increase its quality. The Israeli participant will be a strong team, highly ranked in their local league, although not participating in any other European competition. There is an opportunity for an Israeli sponsor to join us too, which is also good for the Balkan League.
 
- What do you think of the inaugural season of the League so far? You have invested great financial resources in it - does it justify them?
- Yes, it is definitely a very successful season in many respects. From a sports point of view the games are on a high level, very entertaining and interesting. Many of the games were decided by a 1 point margin and not in favour of the team that was expected to win. As for publicity, I am happy too - the BIBL games games attract a lot of attention from fans. In fact, the attendances here in Bulgaria are the low point of it - in Serbia and the FYROM the gyms are full.
 
- Do you discuss opportunities for the addition of teams from even more countries in the region and a broader expansion of the League?
- Of course we do. There is interest in a few countries from teams, who want to join. Teams from Turkey and Greece want to take part, we are also having talks with others in Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are getting a lot of attention and positive reviews about our organization, which leads to participation requests from clubs from other countries. I still think the competition format should be 10 or 12 teams, but next season they will certainly be better than the current ones. There is also that interest from the Israeli sponsor I mentioned, as well as a few others. That would definitely raise the level, as we will be able to think of installing prize money.
 
- How about your team Euroins Cherno More? You have a new coach and a new player on board. The big potential is obvious, but things haven`t been going well. What are your hopes and expectations for the rest of the season?
- I hope we show the best form on the final stretch and "outsprint" our opponents. Since we recently brought in the new coach, there has been an instant and radical change for the better. Also, the new center is a very good player. I am sure we will play basketball of much higher quality and go for the high stakes in all competitions we are taking part in.

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