MOSCOW (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - If a coach and his players are judged by their results more than anything else, observers of the game in Russia must acknowledge that year one of the Sergei Bazarevich era was a success.

Russia, playing under coach Bazarevich for the first time this summer in a three-team qualifying group that included Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden, won all of their games and cruised into FIBA EuroBasket 2017.

Russia swept Bosnia and Herzegovina in their two qualifiers

The national team still needs to put in some convincing performances next summer against tougher competition before people can get rid of the hangover of failing to qualify for FIBA EuroBasket 2015. But the summer of 2016 was a good start, and especially for the coach.

"From the first day of work in the team, I started to enjoy the process," Bazarevich said in an interview with Sport Express. "I was impressed by the general attitude and professionalism of the players. Many of those who now play for the national team had won various medals, and I myself have a couple.

"We all have the desire to continue these traditions. One thing is certain: we have done our job well."

"So far, what I see gives cause for optimism, and this is what we will focus on in the future." - Bazarevich

And that positive feeling should grow if center Timofey Mozgov, who averaged more than 12 points and almost 6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in qualifying, increases his level of play.

"He can play a lot better, I'm sure," Bazarevich said. "Timofey needs to find the motivation for the next step, and I hope that the national team will help him in this."

Bazarevich also wants small forward Sergey Karasev to be a more influential player. Karasev averaged 11 points and nearly 5 rebounds in the four qualifying games.

Bazarevich believes Russia can get more from Karasev

"I confess, I was a little disappointed by Karasev," the coach said. "I expected him to be more aggressive. In some segments, he just disappeared."

It will help at the FIBA EuroBasket that there is the likely return of guard Alexey Shved and sharpshooter Vitaly Fridzon, a couple of veterans that have won big games with Russia in the past. Both players missed the qualifying games through injury.

All things considered, though, Bazarevich says there was plenty to be encouraged by.

"So far, what I see gives cause for optimism, and this is what we will focus on in the future."

FIBA