Vladimir Vereemenko, Unics Kazan
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 Long viewed as a super talent, Vladimir Vereemenko of Unics showed why as he exploded in the Quarterfinals to lead his team to the Eurocup Finals with superb performances in both games against Pepsi Caserta. Veremeenko played a total of more than 70 minutes in the two games and averaged 20.5 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Quarterfinals is performance index rating (30.5). Veremeenko has the chance to become the first Belarusian to win the competition, although compatriot Yahor Meshcharakou reached the Eurocup title game in 2007, but lost with Aris BSA 2003 to Dynamo Moscow. Vereemenko is versatile, talented and boasts a very high basketball IQ. As such, he is a key piece in a well-oiled, experienced Unics team in which most of its core players have been together for years. That could be critical for Unics in the Eurocup Finals, as Veremeenko said in this Eurocupbasketball.com interview. "I think that playing together makes us stronger and stronger every year," Veremeenko told Eurocupbasketball.com. "We have known each other for a long time and have great connection on the floor. Everybody speaks to each other as if we were a family."
Hello Vladimir. First of all, how has the Eurocup season been for Unics?
"I think has been a good season for us. We lost some chances to go to the Eurocup Finals or back then to the Final Eight several times in the past. Every time we were close to the semifinals, we were not able to do it. This time around, we managed to win all of our important games and qualified to the Finals."
You played great in the Quarterfinals against Pepsi Caserta. What was the secret that caused you to play so well against them?
"Well, I don't know. Maybe it is that I played more minutes than I did previously. I had a good connection with my teammates in that series. Maybe I scored too many easy baskets, but I didn't do anything special. I saw extended playing time and that is maybe the main reason why I had better numbers. The only important thing is that we won, not my numbers."
Unics has been with the same core of players for many years. Does that give you an advantage?
"Yes, I think that playing together makes us stronger and stronger every year. We have known each other for a long time and have great connection on the floor. Everybody speaks to each other as if we were a family. I think it is the way to say it - we are like a family, and that is great for the team, of course."
You have to play against Cedevita in the semifinals. What do you know about them?
"It is a good team, maybe not so experienced with so many young players, but Cedevita has shown everyone that they can play. They managed to beat us in Kazan, but we also won on the road against them, too. I am sure this game will be a whole different story."
Even with that, do you think that the fact that you played against Cedevita has an impact in the semiinals?
"I don't think it will change more than some little details. I expect a stronger, tougher game. Our whole Eurocup season comes down to this game and if we don't win, we lose all chances to win the title. Both teams will play harder and most important, with a whole team. Cedevita is a good team, but I think we are a bit better and I believe in our team. We will try to play hard on defense and use our talent to win the game."
 You have the chance to be the first Belarusian player to win the title. How special would that be for you?
"It will be very special, even though it won't be my first European title - I won the EuroChallenge with Dynamo St. Petersburg some years ago. That was my biggest win until now, but of course the Eurocup is at another level. It would be one step further in my career and I would be very proud of it."
Evgeny Pashutin coached CSKA to the Euroleague Final Four last season and reached the Eurocup Finals with Unics. How do you like to play for him?
"I really like it. I knew him as a player - I played against him when I was younger in the Belarusian national team and we both have played for Avtodor Saratov in the past, too. I had heard a lot of good words about him when I was in Saratov. I like the intensity we play with. He makes us play with a lot of intensity and I think that has helped us a lot. He treats everyone the same, including his brother Zakhar."
Benetton plays Cajasol in the other semifinal. What do you think will happen?
"Well, it is really difficult to predict the winner. Benetton plays at home and I think that will help them to give their best and win the game. So if I have to choose, I think that Benetton will go to the final."
If the Eurocup isn't a big reward by itself, if it wins Unics will play the 2011-12 Euroleague, too. How great would be that be?
"Well, I never played in the Euroleague, but I know it is a different level. Above all, it will be great for the club and for everybody in the team. We are all looking forward to winning the Eurocup title and if we do, playing the Euroleague against the best teams in Europe will be great."
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Javier Gancedo, Eurocupbasketball.com
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