RUS - Veteran Monya can be a steadying influence
MOSCOW (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - In periods of uncertainty for national teams, like the one Russia's men find themselves in after the unexpected resignation of coach Fotis Katsikaris, veteran players are crucial. The experienced hands must provide leadership both on, and off the court. Sergey Monya, a player that former boss David Blatt ...
MOSCOW (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - In periods of uncertainty for national teams, like the one Russia's men find themselves in after the unexpected resignation of coach Fotis Katsikaris, veteran players are crucial.
The experienced hands must provide leadership both on, and off the court.
Sergey Monya, a player that former boss David Blatt leaned heavily on, is now a central figure for the national team just several weeks away from the EuroBasket.
Russia desperately need the 30-year-old small forward to help steady the ship after Katsikaris' departure.
Monya should be vital in Slovenia, where the national team will try to return to the podium after winning bronze in 2011.
Russia also finished third last year at the Olympics.
When asked about the atmosphere in the senior team with the big shake-up at the helm, Monya answered: "As usual, good. All the guys want to play.
"For our part, we will do everything possible to succeed at the EuroBasket, we will fight.
"It is still not known what the final composition of the team will be...
"I have no doubt that all the guys will give 100%."
Russia had the certainty of Blatt showing up to lead the team every summer from 2006 through last summer.
Monya says it was crucial for the Russian Basketball Federation to react quickly and install someone as acting head coach for the start of the preparations.
That someone was Vasily Karasev.
"This decision was very important for the team, as we were all in limbo, without a head coach," Monya said.
"Now everything will start to work.
"The federation worked quickly, taking a decision in the shortest possible time."
At the EuroBasket, which tips off 4 September, Russia will square off against Turkey, Italy, Greece, Finland and Sweden in Group D.
At bare minimum, Russia want to qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
They will need a top six finish to reach next year's event.
If Spain are in the first six, then a top seven finish will punch Russia's ticket to the World Cup.
FIBA