Rob Preston: "Winning is the most important thing"

Rob Preston is one of Spartak`s leaders.

Rob Preston has already established himself in Bulgarian basketball, since he is halfway through his fourth season here. First he played two years for Levski, and last season he signed with Spartak Pleven. Here is what the MVP of last season`s Bulgarian All-star game had to say regarding his team`s performance, the participation in the EUROHOLD Balkan League, and some other things.

by Alexander Sotirov

This is your first time in the EUROHOLD Balkan League, what do you think of the level of competition, the level of the teams and players?

Rob Preston: The Balkan League is a very competitive with good teams and really good players.

Last year you played with Spartak in the FIBA EuroCup, and this year you play in the EUROHOLD Balkan League, the participation in which of those two is better for you and the team, in your opinion?

RP: I think that the Balkan League is better for me and for the team. We get a lot more international playing experience, and in the FIBA competition we only played two games.

This is already your fourth season here in Bulgaria, and we can say that you are already half Bulgarian, do you plan on extending your stay here more?

RP: I really like Bulgaria, but I will wait until the end of the season and and look at my options for next year.

Spartak isn`t performing in the best possible way in the NBL in Bulgaria and in the Balkan League, what do you think is the missing part, so you could turn things around and repeat the good performance from last season?

RP: I think the main problem for our team this season has been injuries and illness. Our captain Hrisi Dimitrov missed four games injured, and other players missed quite a few being ill.

You must be really glad that you are not the only foreign player in Pleven, since Joe Kennerly is on the team...

RP: Yes, it`s very nice to have a fellow American on the team. Joe is a very nice guy and easy to get along with.

OKK Beograd won in Pleven in a lucky way, will you surprise them next week and take the win in Belgrade?

RP: If we win in Belgrade this won`t be a surprise for me. We played them in the second game of our season and everyone was still figuring out their roles. I think the match will be another exciting game and go down to the finish again.

Since you started your pro career you have more than 120 games on the higher level, and the last two seasons are maybe your best so far, looking at the stats, but do you think you can do even better?

RP: Yes my last two seasons have been very well. I think I am playing a little better this season, but to me the stats aren`t the most important things. I don`t consider it being a sucessful season without bringing home some medals. Winning is the most important thing.

You are 2-3 so far and you are fourth in Group B, since the first four teams advance to the 1/4 finals, do you think you can get a better position and play an easier opponent?

RP: I think we can get a better position, since we have to play everyone one more time. We have to take it one game at a time though. If we do that we have a great chance of improving our position and getting throught to the next phases of the league.

Rob Preston has currently played in all five games of Spartak Pleven in Group B of the EUROHOLD Balkan League. The 208-cm tall Ohio native is averaging 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per contest, shooting 41% from 3-point range.

12-11-2024 | 11:19

Spare year for Balkan League, to resume in 2025

10-07-2024 | 22:50

Delasport Balkan League and Samokov to host Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem BKT EuroCup matches

01-05-2024 | 18:30

Happy Easter to the Orthodox world!

21-04-2024 | 19:05

Happy Passover!

20-04-2024 | 13:34

Final words for Season 2023/24 from Sports Director Shay Shtriks

20-04-2024 | 13:26

Mr. Lubomir Kotleba once again honored the Delasport Balkan League Final 4

20-04-2024 | 12:43

Best Moments of 2023/24 Final 4 in Delasport Balkan League

18-04-2024 | 16:50

President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation: PAYBL AEL Limassol participation in Delasport Balkan League shows goal and vision

17-04-2024 | 20:09

Coach Kalia Papadopoulou: Prishtina players' experience decided the final

16-04-2024 | 13:52

Coach Albert Sylejmani: We are excited and proud of the results we have achieved!

16-04-2024 | 10:48

A big thank you from Mr. Shtriks

15-04-2024 | 10:41

Photo gallery from KB Sigal Prishtina - PAYABL EKA AEL

15-04-2024 | 10:32

Photo gallery from Peja – KK Lovcen 1947

14-04-2024 | 22:58

Third final - third title for Sigal Prishtina after a great championship game in Limassol

14-04-2024 | 20:46

Peja with the bronze in Delasport Balkan League

14-04-2024 | 11:50

Watch the match for the 3/4th place and the final from Delasport Balkan League live on Youtube

14-04-2024 | 11:05

Beinish, Jokic and Kuburovic to officiate the big final

13-04-2024 | 11:54

Michalis Mithillos: I feel blessed to be a part of this team

13-04-2024 | 11:49

Kalia Papadopoulou: We had a lot of pressure before the game

13-04-2024 | 00:40

Photo gallery from PAYBL EKA AEL - KB Peja

13-04-2024 | 00:34

Photo gallery from KB Sigal Prishtina vs KK Lovcen 1947

12-04-2024 | 23:02

Limassol crowd ignites PAYBL EKA AEL into the big final

12-04-2024 | 20:38

Third final appearance for Sigal Prishtina after a convincing win against KK Lovcen

12-04-2024 | 07:31

Final 4 pressconference statements

11-04-2024 | 16:31

Delasport Balkan League Final 4 to be broadcasted in four countries

09-04-2024 | 11:36

All set for the Final 4

09-04-2024 | 10:09

Darrel Davies and Adong Makuoi share thoughts on Delasport Balkan League

08-04-2024 | 10:51

Officiating crew announced for Final 4

05-04-2024 | 23:39

Amazing regular season finale in Prishtine

05-04-2024 | 00:06

Final showdown: Big day for Kosovo teams in Delasport Balkan League