Aleksandar Gruev: Delasport BIBL has definitely become stronger and much more attractive
15-12-2020 | 16:43
In April 2020, one of the best Bulgarian guards, Alexander Gruev, announced his retirement from playing basketball. After 18 professional seasons in his home country and abroad, he joined the coaching staff of BK Akademik Plovdiv. Here is what he said in a special interview for Delasport Balkan International Basketball League:
How did you make the decision to continue your career as a coach?
I think this was the most logical continuation of my professional development. Almost all my life I’ve spent in the basketball gym, and at least it is right to pass on what I have learned over the years to the players after me. I am grateful to be given this chance.
How do you feel on the new position and what was the most difficult thing you’ve experienced in transitioning from being a basketball player to becoming a coach?
I feel very good and in the right place. There are many details in coaching, although from aside it may seem easy. In many cases, one of the most difficult thing in this transition was that as a player you think mainly about yourself and how to improve your own game, while as a coach you have to think about how to get the most out of 12/15 different personalities and characters.
In Akademik you and Yordan Yankov are two debutants as coaches - what difficulties do you encounter and are you satisfied with the way you started?
This year, the difficulties are the same almost everywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic has displaced sports technical issues, even minor injuries. But this is something we cannot control. We try to be as focused as possible every day, during each workout. I definitely think we can be satisfied with what has been shown so far, given the circumstances, of course, especially the dedication and desire of the players.
You had a long and very interesting career as an athlete - what do you hope to achieve as a coach?
First of all, I want to be of benefit to the players, to help them get better. To keep the enthusiasm and motivation I had as a player, to learn something new every day so I can help them, as well.
What are your ambitions in the Delasport Balkan League and what do you think about the level and development this season?
After the Israeli teams joined the competition, Delasport Balkan League has definitely become stronger and much more attractive. It is very helpful for us, as a young team, to have more games against different teams and in different countries. This helps the development of both players and coaches. Our goal is to play well, to give our best in each game. If we do that, I believe we will reach the final stages.
News
12-11-2024 | 11:19
10-07-2024 | 22:50
01-05-2024 | 18:30
21-04-2024 | 19:05
20-04-2024 | 13:34
20-04-2024 | 13:26
20-04-2024 | 12:43
18-04-2024 | 16:50
17-04-2024 | 20:09
16-04-2024 | 13:52
16-04-2024 | 10:48
15-04-2024 | 10:41
15-04-2024 | 10:32
14-04-2024 | 22:58
14-04-2024 | 20:46
14-04-2024 | 11:50
14-04-2024 | 11:05
13-04-2024 | 11:54
13-04-2024 | 11:49
13-04-2024 | 00:40
13-04-2024 | 00:34
12-04-2024 | 23:02
12-04-2024 | 20:38
12-04-2024 | 07:31
11-04-2024 | 16:31
09-04-2024 | 11:36
09-04-2024 | 10:09
08-04-2024 | 10:51
05-04-2024 | 23:39
05-04-2024 | 00:06
Next Game
Schedule
| No Games Scheduled |
All times are local time
Standings
| Delasport Balkan League 2023/2024 Regular Season | |||
| 1 | .jpg){kind=logo} KB Sigal Prishtina |
8 - 2 | 18 |
| 2 |  PAYABL EKA AEL |
6 - 4 | 16 |
| 3 |  KB Peja |
6 - 4 | 16 |
| 4 |  KK Lovcen 1947 |
4 - 6 | 14 |
| 5 |  KK Plevlja |
0 - 8 | 8 |
