Evtimov brothers: "Thank You, Dad!"

They are young, they are ambitious, they are successful. They are also well-mannered and modest. They are two brothers - Vassil and Ilian Evtimov's. The nice thing is this story is they are Bulgarians. The bad luck is they can't play for our NT, because they have French passports. In this interview Vasco and Ilian say “Thank you” to their parents, to their famous dad Ilia, who was one of the best Bulgarian players in the past. Two brothers are keep another big “Thank you” for “Interperformances” agency. “We are extremely happy to be a part of Cappicioni family. Every time when need an advice, or help, Mr Luciano Cappicioni and our personal agent Mr George Patapatiou are always there for us”, two brothers said. 
 
Welcome home, guys! Bulgaria continue to be your homeland, no matter you left the country when you were kids. How is your vacation so far?
Vasco: We are in Sofia from ten days. The feeling is very sweet, of course, because we are already in vacation. We even caught the final two games for the title between Lukoil Akademik and CSKA. That was great too. Unfortunately, the time is flying. This Sunday we are leaving for USA. I am going to spend some time with my family. Ilian has to prepare for summer school. He is making a magistrates in North Carolina State University. We plan to come back in July and enjoy some time at the seaside.Did you like what Lukoil and CSKA show in the final playoffs? Of course, it's not the same level like Italy, or Spain, but this year it was a real drama at the end…
Ilian: The final, is a final. The players of both teams didn't stop fighting to the end. They proved that they have a heart and this is the most important thing not only in basketball, but in any kind of sports. The second game was so close. The third, also, and we saw two overtimes.
 
Vasco, you was able to see your old buddy Carlos Cherry as well..
Vasco: Yeah, we know each other since the time we spent together in Caja San Fernando. We are good friends. Carlos is an excellent player and amazing person. He is fighting at the court from the bottom of his heart.

Talking about heart, people say: “The person is from there, from where the heart is”. From where your heart is?
Vasco: I am and I will stay Bulgarian till the rest of my life. It doesn't matter I don't live in Sofia since a kid. Every year I have no patience May and June to come, because this is time for me to go back in my country. To meet my family, my relatives,to spend time with old friends, to play basketball with them and go fishing.
Ilian: I like Sofia very much. Everything here is changing and growing. It's really interesting for me. It's a pity, because when I was still a student in North Carolina State, I always had summer school and my time for home vacation was never enough.

Your fishing hobby came from your grandfather. Tell us more about it?
Ilian: We have a record: 100 kg draught for seven hours. Vasco is a master. But I always need him by my side when we use fishing rods. Sometimes I am in trouble (laughing). Vasco: I taught Ilian to fish, this is true. We missed almost a week, because of this bad weather in Sofia now. That rain is killing us! Anyway, I hope to go for one last time before taking the plane for USA in the end of the week.

Two brothers, two professional basketball careers and a lot of hope for the future. What is the secret of your success?
Vasco: We owe everything to our parents. We have to thank them all life. Without their support and their determination nobody knows what could happen with us. In the beginning they brought us with them in France, where my dad was playing basketball. And thanks to them me and my brother left Bulgaria so early. After that, my father took a big risk and sent first me, after that Ilian, to the States. We were 15, 16 years old boys, without any English language knowledge. Tough times, rough times. But we made it, we survived. Now, I am a father of two little kids and sometimes, when I can't see them for couple of months, I feel the same pain like my mom and dad in the past. Now I understand what was in their souls then. They had no idea where their two sons are. But they had hope it is for good. And it really was.
Ilian: I owe it to my father, but to my brother too. Because sometimes it's better and it's easier to learn some important staff from your bigger brother. I am so happy to have Vas by my side.

What did America gave to both of you?
Vasco: We grew up earlier, than other kids at our age. We had no other choice. In the time when boys at our age still we living with their parents, in their home, in their country, me and my brother were already taking serious decisions. For our way not only in basketball, but at school, everything… We became mature, stronger and battle-tried. We also got a great opportunity to play ffor two of the best schools in NCAA basketball program - North Carolina and North Carolina State, in the best, in the strongest conference ACC. Ilian achieved bigger success there, than me. He has a wonderful head coach, who never stop trusting him. I didn't find the same for me, so I decided to leave earlier and so this is how I started my professional career in 1999. I don't have any regrets about this time.
Ilian: It's all about the coach. He can make you a big deal, he can destroy your life (leaughing again). Vasco was better than me when he was in high school. There he made a bigger name, than me. After that, in University, the things turned around.

Ilian, you never lost your faith in the past, when you struggled with some very bad and painful injuries. Where did you find this power?
Ilian: It's a nightmare for every athlete to hear that he won't be able to play. And he must to sit till the end of the season, which just begins. I was lucky to open my eyes and realize something important. It's not only basketball the thing which can make my life happy in this world. I just went out, found new friends and never lose my hope for better days. And not at the last place, I had a great coach in NC State.

 Please, tell me what do you like in each other? Like players and like characters…
Ilian: He hates to lose. And if you are in his team, but somehow you don't give 100 percents and you don't play with all of your heart, so you will realize very soon you're in trouble (laughing once again). Because the big Bear will start grumble! Vasco has an American nickname - “The Beast”. He can prove it at the court. I learned from him to fight and never to give up. The difference between you and all other players is your heart.
Vasco: Ilian is very punctual, very meticulous. He is like a clock. He is never late for practice, or school. He is a hard worker, a dream for every coach. Everybody likes him. Ilian is respectful. I told him that last season he was the best shooter in his team. Not matter he didn't get a lot of playing time. He has a fantastic hand from long distance and soon or later he will start shining. And I am not telling all this, because he is my brother. If there is something wrong, I will be the first to tell him straight into the eyes. I only wish him just a little bit more patience. His time will come.
 
Which is the most beautiful place where you have been?
Vasco: For me, this is Greece. I have seen a lot of countries and cities, but Greek atmosphere and Greek reality is at the first place for me.
Ilian: I didn't travel so much. I have been in USA, France, Italy. I played in Bologna, nice city, but I can't say it is my favourite. I love Sofia, for now this is my number one.