Todor Stoykov: Without Pini, national team is closed for me

Todor Stoykov (FIBAeurope.com)

22-10-2009 16:37 | Ива Лазарова (Тема Спорт)

Todor Stoykov retired from the national team after the failure at Eurobasket 2009. It seems though that he doesn't seem to ever lose his hustle and desire that help him to put the ball in the opponent's basket. This he proved on saturday when Lukoil Academic defeated Levski and Stoykov scored 30 points.

You started the season in convincing way. Did you expect it after the not so consistent performance in the friendly games ?
The inconsistent performance in the friendlies is nothing to worry for. In those matches the coach is experimenting, trying different schemes, not looking for results. It's important the victories to come in the official games. And as you all saw that happened to us, in I would say, very convincing way.

Did you expect such a big margin in the win versus Levski?
It's not so important if we win categorically or dramatically, if we win by 1 or 20 points. What is important is that we showed better play and winning with big margin only adds to that. Knowing my team I never doubted in the final outcome.

With what you were better than them?
We're still at the start of the championship. It's not good to make such general assessments, still the teams are trying to find their rhythm. One thing is obvious, Lukoil confirmed with this performance that is the main favourite for the title.

Do you think that the summer transfers of Lukoil, mainly those of the American players is better than Levski's?
I don't want to comment, I didn't choose our players, nor those of Levski. Everybody saw that in this game our players played better and were better scorers.

You are one of the main reasons for this success, and you were chosen for MVP of the first round. How do you find the motivation to keep taking the responsability in the most important moments?
I was always led by the desire to win. From little boy I learned that I have to prove myself in every minute on the court, not once in the year. This desire is what kept me during this years.

With play like this in the first game don't you think it's a big loss that Lukoil Academic rennounced its participation in Europe?
This is a decision made by the board. Whether I regret it or not it really doesn't matter.

What are the goals of the team this season and where do you see your place in chasing them?
My place is not of a such importance. What I can do, I'll it. And the goals - they are clear and unchanged in the last 7-8 years - winning title and cup of Bulgaria.

What are your impressions from the other teams, do you think it will be a close championship?
If I have to be honest I haven't watched all the teams. The summer transfers are showing that everybody will come out highly motivated against Lukoil. It's obvious that the difference between us and the others is big and it's a challenge for us not to let any surprises. It won't be easy, we will need to be fully focused.

A game against Rilski Sportist is ahead for you. Do you expect a difficult one?
Of course, those should be our expectations before every game. I don't like to talk in advance. I prefer to go out on the court, to play and then to make comments after the final result is known.

Is it true that the national team is a closed page for you ? Is there something or somebody that can make you change your decision?
It's a little bit exaggerated to say closed page. For me the national team can never be like that. I'll be close to the team, support the young players with what I can. But from the stands.

And if Pini Gershon remains?
If he remains I'll be very happy. I'm sure that he will do everything possible to qualify our team at big forums. If Pini stays then I'll support him with all I can in every way. Until then though the theme for the national team is closed for me.

Can we see you in the staff some day?
I don't know. I don't know what expects me. Everything can happen in life.

At club level have you decided how long will you delight your fans?
I still haven't planned a retirement from basketball. For sure I'll stay this season and play for Lukoil. I'm planning to play at least 1-2 more years.

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