Lamont Mack, Lukoil Academic
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 Lukoil Academic has made a resounding return to the Eurocup after a two-year absence. The Bulgarian powerhouse leads difficult Group D thanks to back-to-back wins against Telenet Oostende and Asvel Basket. One of the main reasons for its success has been versatile forward Lamont Mack, who has become his team's new leader this season. In his third season of European basketball, Mack is having an outstanding Eurocup debut, leading his team in scoring (16.5 ppg.), rebounds (5 rpg.) and performance index ranking (18). Mack sank the game-winning free throw and led Lukoil with 20 points in its season-opening road win against Oostende. He also shined with 13 points and 7 rebounds to beat Asvel in Sofia before 6,000 loyal Lukoil fans. Lukoil hopes to keep its momentum going in a highly anticipated showdown against two-time Eurocup champion Valencia Basket in Sofia next week. Mack is fully aware of Valencia's power but knows Lukoil will be ready to fight, as he says in this Eurocupbasketball.com interview. "We have a very competitive group, with some really good teams, but if we take one game at a time, we can do good things in the Eurocup," Mack told Eurocupbasketball.com. "That's what we did against Oostende and Asvel. We have prepared well each game. Every time we play against any opponent, we will be ready to compete against them."
Hello, Lamont. Congratulations on your big win against Asvel Basket. What did Lukoil do well to beat them?
"Thank you. We played together as a team and were able to be fortunate enough to win the game. Asvel made a run in the end, even when we led for the whole game, but we managed to keep our lead in the second half, score some key baskets to keep staying ahead of them. We have been playing good defense this season and that has been the biggest key to both of our wins."
You opened the season with a road win against Telenet Oostende, in which you hit the game-winning free throw. How important was that win?
"Oh, very important. We have a very competitive group, with some really good teams, but if we take one game at the time, we can do good things in the Eurocup. That's what we did against Oostende and Asvel. We have prepared well each game. Every time we play against any opponent, we will be ready to compete against them."
Lukoil has always been a high-scoring team but you guys went up 2-0 scoring 66 points in each win. Has defense taken over in Lukoil this year?
"Well, we are doing a good job in defense, playing together as a team. We are all helping out a lot. Like you said, you just have to look at the scores to find out Lukoil has become a very good defensive team. We have to keep it going, as defense has led us to win both games so far."
You will play against Valencia Basket next week - arguably the toughest opponent in your group. You have 6,000 fans against Asvel. How important is fan support for your team?
"We have some really good fans and they support us a lot. They are there for us in every home game and that is very helpful. That gives us a kind of energy that we can feel on the court. I know the game against Valencia will be a very good one for everyone to come and see it. Our fans helped us a lot against Asvel and I am hoping that even more people will come to next week's game."
This is your second season in Lukoil. What did you like about the club and Sofia that made you come back this season?
"Lukoil is a great family and has a great program. It also has great history and tradition. I love being a part of this team, and that is the main reason why I stayed. Lukoil is a great team, it is known for winning and having a close bond – everybody is close with each other. The coach is really good, my teammates and the management are great, so I had plenty of reasons to come back."
 Speaking of your teammates, Todor Stoykov is the Eurocup's all-time top scorer. Does he give you advice on this competition?
"You know, Todor is a great teammate and always talks to me about everything. He is the kind of player that makes you play hard and give your best. I love to play with him and yes, he knows the competition very well, so that always helps."
You are seeing more responsibility this season. How do you enjoy your new role in Lukoil?
"I love my role, but I just try to do everything my team needs to win – that is what I did last season, and also now. No matter if it is scoring, rebounding, playing defense or helping people out, I always try to help my team win, which is the most important thing, of course."
Now that you have played two Eurocup games, what do you think about the competition?
"It is a great competition and I love the high-level the Eurocup has. I always played high-level basket throughout my whole life – in high school, college and professionally in Europe. I am used to playing at this level, so I am enjoying it a lot. I just hope Lukoil can keep doing well in such a strong competition."
What would make it a good season for you and Lukoil?
"Well, we just need to keep taking one game at the time. Hopefully, if we carry on doing this, a lot of good things will happen in the future. Right now, all we care about is preparing for the next game without thinking ahead of that. That is our focus right now and I am sure it will pay off in the long run."
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Monday, November 28, 2011
Javier Gancedo, Eurocupbasketball.com
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