Vyacheslav Kravtsov shared his thoughts on Ukraine's national basketball team's readiness for the upcoming World Championship pre-qualification matches. The 37-year-old veteran, who recently recovered from injury, remains committed to representing his country on the international stage.
"As long as I'm called up to the national team, that's good. When I finish playing for the national team, it will mean I've finished my club career as well," Kravtsov explained.
The big man didn't shy away from addressing Ukraine's struggles during the EuroBasket 2025 qualification campaign. He pointed to the significant roster changes as a key factor affecting team performance.
"When a team undergoes major lineup changes, it always experiences stress. During the national team's good performances, the roster barely changed—just two or three players at most. In recent years, the team has changed dramatically. Veterans are gradually stepping away, while young players may feel insecure, lack experience, or get nervous."
Kravtsov spoke highly of the newcomers in Ukraine's frontcourt, particularly Novytskyi, whom he considers exceptionally promising. He also mentioned Sypalo and Klichko as talented prospects, though at different stages of development.
"Sypalo reminds me of myself at his age," noted Kravtsov. "He's versatile, understands the game, has good timing. Klichko has the size but still needs time to reach a professional level—he started basketball relatively late."
Regarding the return of head coach Ainars Bagatskis, Kravtsov maintained a pragmatic approach. "That's life. Coaches change. I'm on good terms with everyone," he said. "We've worked with him before, so adaptation should be easier."
Looking ahead to the summer qualification games against Switzerland and Slovakia, the veteran center expects tough competition. "The most difficult groups are those where teams are at nearly the same level," he observed. "Success will be determined not by skill but by experience and concentration in each game."
Kravtsov also addressed the issue of player commitment to the national team. He supports the position of Ukrainian Basketball Federation President Mykhailo Brodsky, who questions why some players easily decline call-ups to the national team camps. "I remember years when 20-30 national team players would show up, all wanting to make the roster," he recalled.
The national team begins its campaign with an away game against Switzerland on August 6th, followed by home matches against Slovakia (August 9th) and Switzerland (August 16th), before concluding with an away game in Slovakia on August 20th. The top two teams from each group will advance to the main World Championship qualification stage.
Will Ukraine be able to field its strongest possible roster this summer? Kravtsov certainly hopes so. The veteran's experience could prove crucial for a team in transition.
