Ivan Lilov: Feni is a championship team

Ivan Lilov is definitely one of the well-known names around the EUROHOLD Balkan League since the start of the competition. The Bulgarian shooting guard won the BIBL back in 2009 with Rilski Sportist, and in 2011 once again with Riletso he got a silver medal. Currently Ivan is playing for the defending champion of the League - KK Feni Industries, and he took some of his time to answer a couple of questions, just days before the clash against Levski in Sofia.

 

Q: How do you feel in Feni Industries, did you get used to the new environment?

 

Ivan Lilov: I can say that I’m almost used to the new situation, I know my teammates from the previous seasons, we have playd more than 10 games against each other, all of my teammates are really nice.

 

Q: Last season Feni won the BIBL title against Rilski Sportist, where you played, are your teammates teasing you with that fact?

 

I.L.: Yes, there are such moments, but we are all just joking and getting the team spirit high.

 

Q: Feni became a powerhouse in the championship of Macedonia in the last couple of years, and also made a good name in the Balkan Laegue, what are the expectations this season?

 

I.L.: Feni is a championship team and the expectations are the usual – to become champions this season as well. This year the Macedonian league and the Balkan League are really interesting and close and it will be harder than last season, but with a lot of hard work and team spirit, I think we can achieve our goals, and dominate once again.

 

Q: The game against Levski is just in a couple of days, as so far the two teams have played four times, and each team has 2 wins, do you think you can surprise Levski in Sofia? You know the team and the coach very well, are you helping your own team with some information?

 

I.L.: I expect a good game, this season Levski have a really experienced team and some really strong players, but we are going to Sofia to get the win. We have already started preparation and scouting of their style of play, but for sure I will help our coaching staff with whatever I can so we can be prepared enough for the derby.

 

Q: What do you think is Levski’s biggest threat for you or maybe which player is most important?

 

I.L.: Definitely the biggest threat is their rebounding ability and their play on offense. They are the top rebounding team in Bulgaria at this point. They have a lot of experienced and good players, as the most dangerous ones are Aaron Harper and Vassil Evtimov.

 

 
Q: This isn’t your first time working with a Macedonian coach, what do you think of Emil Rajkovic?

 
I.L.: Yes, I have worked with Aco Todorov, and now with Emil Rajkovic. Emil is a young coach with a big future ahead of him. I really like the way he motivates the players and how everybody respects him. I also like that he is a very ambitious person and that basketball is his life.

 

Ivan has played one game for Feni in the Balkan League, as he managed to score 14 points along with 3 rebounds and 1 assists.