Reuven Virovnik: The participation of Israeli teams is benefit for both sides

Mr. Reuven Virovnik, the head of the Israeli referee associaton and also FIBA instructor is part of the official guests list of the 2012 EUROHOLD Balkan League Final Four, where he is an instructor as well. Mr. Virovnik took some of his time to answer a few questions for our website.   - This is the first season with Israeli teams participating in the EUROHOLD Balkan League, in your opinion how good is it for the Balkan basketball that Galil Gilboa and Hapoel Tel Aviv are playing in the competition?   Reuven Virovnik: I think that this is a big success for the Israeli teams and also it′s good for the other teams to play against clubs who are not really from their region and are different from the teams that they are used to play against. It′s a benefit for both sides.   - What′s your opinion for the officiating in the Balkan League?   R.V: From what I have saw, and all of the referees are FIBA referees and even Euroleague referees and I know most of them, so the level of officiating is good.
- The Sports Director of the BIBL - Mr. Shay Shtriks has been doing a lot of work with the referees and about the officiating in Bulgaria, what do you think about that?   R.V.: Well I haven′t taken a closer look, but from what I know about Shay, and I know him from so many years around basketball and basketball officiating, I′m sure he did and is doing a good job.   - What are your expectations for the Final Four?   R.V.: I′m expecting good game, sportsmanlike games, good for the fans. It′s a very good opportunity for the teams to show the spectators what they are capable of.