Idman.biz
The Azerbaijani women's 3x3 basketball team has won the gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games for the third time in a row. However, there is a basketball player in the team who is experiencing such success for the first time. We are talking about Brianna Fraser, who answers the questions of Idman.Biz.
- The Azerbaijani national team won the gold medal at the Islamic Games for the third time, but this is your first gold medal in such a tournament. How do you assess this achievement?
- For me, this gold is really special. I feel not only joy, but also a great responsibility - being a part of a team with such a history of victories is truly a source of pride. This is not just a medal, it is an indicator confirming that we are moving in the right direction. I am proud to have been able to contribute to this success.
- Looking at the course of the tournament, was the final match against Turkey expected?
- You could say that. Turkey is one of the most stable and strong teams in the region, and it was felt throughout the tournament that we would face each other sooner or later. We knew the opponent's playing style and understood that the match would be tense. And so it was.
- What was the atmosphere of the competition like in Riyadh?
- The atmosphere was incredible. The fans created a real sports holiday atmosphere. Even in tense games, the energy in the stands helped to maintain attention and gain strength. Especially when there are many people who support the team individually. Therefore, I thank everyone who lives with us and supports us.
- The national team also showed itself in the international arena this season: "silver" at the European Championship, second place in the World League final. Can this year be considered a revolutionary season?
- I agree. If last season the team rose to a new level, this season it showed that it was able to maintain that level. We have become more stable, we control the crucial moments of the games with more confidence. But we know very well that there are still many points we need to work on, especially if we want to be among the leaders all the time.
- Can the current squad be considered fully adapted, or is there no limit to development?
- There is no limit to development - this fully applies to us. We understand each other well on the field, we know everyone's strengths. But in the 3x3 format, constant development is important: speed of decisions, mutual assistance, various tactical options. We are still growing as a team and this makes me happy.
- The last question concerns long-term plans. Probably, the main goal is the Los Angeles Olympics. Is there an initial plan in this direction?
- The Olympics, of course, is the main goal. But we see it as the end point of a long journey. The current main plan is to strengthen the squad, participate in more international tournaments, improve statistics and collect rating points. We want to go to Los Angeles not just to participate, but to fight for high places. Work has already begun.
Zaki Feyzullayev
