"I believe that Demin will be fine at Brooklyn."

The VTB United League Super Cup 2025, which was held in Belgrade, ended with the triumph of CSKA. In the semifinals, the Army team confidently dealt with Red Star (89:67), and in the decisive match they dealt with Zenit (96:79). Russian national team forward Samson Ruzhentsev performed well in both matches. Samson was especially good in the finals, scoring 20 points and also making three steals. Following the results of the tournament, Ruzhentsev was included in the symbolic top five of the tournament.

I learned a lot during the year at Parma

— You had two matches in two days. How did you manage to recover and play so well in the final?

— I tried to rest as much as possible. I went to bed early and had some more sleep before the Zenit game. That's why I felt pretty fresh. The game started, I'm glad that I scored my shots and helped the team win.

— From the outside, it seemed that both victories were easy for you. Was it perceived differently on the set?

— Basketball is a game where you can never relax. We talked about this during the break of the match against Crvena Zvezda. We touched on this point in the finale. That we need to keep increasing the gap, keep being aggressive. So the victory was definitely not easy, but, of course, all the teams are still far from the best conditions.

— Your agent, Mishko Rajnatovic, was in the stands.

— I'm sure Mishko can't miss such big events. Especially in my native country. It's always nice to see him.

— Let's discuss your entry into the symbolic top five. Have you received many congratulations?

— So far, there are more comments from partners on what needs to be put down (smiles). But congratulations, of course, were also there. It was an unexpected but pleasant moment for me. There were a lot of great players in my position at the tournament.

— Has the season at Parma been good for you?

- of course. I spent a lot of time on the floor, got game experience against such teams as CSKA, Zenit, UNICS, and Lokomotiv Kuban. I've learned a lot during this time. Thanks to the management and coaching staff of the Perm club for this opportunity.

— There were several experienced foreign players at Parma. Did you talk to them after training?

— There was a crazy schedule last season. We were preparing more for the next opponent than we were fighting among ourselves. But the competition was very serious.

— What is the most memorable moment of last season?

— For me, it was definitely a hit in the match against Uralmash, when I scored a three-pointer and the game went into overtime. Five minutes before the end, we were losing by 20 points and made such a powerful comeback. I'll remember this throw for the rest of my life. Especially because we ended up winning in that overtime. I remember the fans saying, the main thing is to take the Ural derby. So we made them happy.

In the last two seasons in the NCAA, Goldin has shown a very high-quality game.

— The calendar will be even tighter this season. An intra-season cup will be added to the regular season.

— It's always good to play more often. Plus, the rivals are interesting: Mega and Igocea. The Belgradians are in our group, so I'm looking forward to meeting them. It will be nice to see your native colors.

— Did any of the people you played with at Mega stay on the team?

"I don't think so. People don't stay there for long. Young players are being developed at Mega, and they are being promoted. This is a very good project by Mishko [Rajnatovic]. He gives young players the opportunity to open up in such a serious league at such an early age. It's worth a lot. I don't know where else they do that.

— Egor Demin is currently the most discussed person in Russian basketball. Are you familiar with him?

— Familiar, but not super close. We crossed paths once when he was 15-16 years old. Even then, it was clear that the guy was very promising. In general, it's important that our guy got into the NBA. I am very happy for him. This is a big event for the whole of Russian basketball.

— Do you think Egor will be able to gain a foothold in Brooklyn?

— Listen, he was drafted at the eighth pick of the draft. When a player is taken so high, it's obviously not for him to sit on the bench. So I believe that Yegor will be fine.

I am also very rooting for Vlad Goldin. I know him much better. I hope he gets some playing time at Miami, too. In the last two seasons in the NCAA, he showed a very high-quality game and deserved his chance.