Maksim, welcome to the interview of the month. It is a pleasure to have you here 🎙

- First of all, where does the story of Maksim begin at? Where are you from and when do do you begin playing basketball?

I am a Russian citizen that lives in Ukraine currently. I was born in 2004. I started to play basketball when I was 8 years old.

- Did you have any basketball influences during your childhood or was it just because you grew liking the sport? Did you practice any other sports while growing up un Ukraine?

I did not have any basketball influences during my childhood. I saw an ad in the school magazine about a basketball game and it made me wanna try the game. My father called the number of the basketball club and that is how it started. I was playing football until the age of 8. I was not really good at it and actually I never liked it, to be honest.

- Why did you decide on coming to Spain?

I really want to become a professional player and Spain, the best European basketball country, I think developing here, it can really help me in it.

- How can you describe the experience of playing basketball in this country? How would you compare it to the level of domestic basketball where you come from?

I have never played on this level before, it is amazing. The speed of the game here, how people play, how they understand the game, everything.

- In just a few words, what does Torrejón Basketball Academy mean to you?

Progress, family, future.

- You have completed a full season with us at the Junior A level, having the opportunity of playing basketball against the likes of Real Madrid, Movistar Estudiantes, Baloncesto Fuenlabrada and even play against some NBA prospects… How would you describe this last season?

It was my first season here and I was really impressed of the high level of the game. It was really interesting, I have learnt a lot. We could play better as the team, but it was only our first season together. In my opinion it was decent.

- For those that have not seen you play, how would you describe your game on the court? Which areas you deem impactful or positive? What parts of your game are you working on improving the most?

I am a shooter, play point guard and shooting guard positions. Currently I am working right now on every aspect of the game, getting better.

- What is the outlook of the current U-22 season like?

We started season almost perfect with 2 wins and 1 loss. We could have won the last game but we did not play our game. I think this year we can be pretty competitive.

- Do you have any goals in basketball? Which pro team do you like the most, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish or even in the NBA?

I really want to become a professional. As almost every hooper I want to play in the NBA. About my favourite teams I would say: CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid, AS Monaco from Europe. From the NBA I would say: Spurs, Warriors, Clippers.

- Any role models that you admire? Do you pattern your game or any certain moves to a certain player that you look up to?

I really like to see how Mike James plays, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Alexey Shved, obviously Jordan. It really inspires me a lot what he was as a player.

- How are your Spanish speaking skills going so far? (laughs) What has been the most difficult part of learning the language?

Van lentamente (laughs). I hope that I will speak Spanish fluently about the end of this year. Spanish is not an easy language for me because my native language is so different. Most difficult part for me is all these rules about different times on the verbs.

- If not basketball, what would you like to do career-wise with your life?

I do not really think about it but I see myself in any of the basketball areas, working somewhere in this sport.

- 🏀 A message for any future international prospect that wants to consider Torrejón Basketball Academy to continue with their basketball development:

Do not be afraid and use your every posible opportunity.