Zhbanov sends message to haters after Zenit beat Uralmash 92-68

Zenit opened their VTB United League season with a 92-68 win over Uralmash in their first home game.

Guard Georgy Zhbanov played 26 minutes and finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Afterwards he turned to those who had written the side off after the pre-season. "The feelings are wonderful, we won the first home game," Zhbanov said. "You don't have to win the pre-season, the main thing is to win official matches, so to those haters who thought we were somehow falling apart or didn't know how to play judging by the pre-season results, a big hello to all of you, and see you in Kazan. We wish Uralmash luck in going through their mistakes and moving only forward. We are doing our own thing and preparing for UNICS."

Head coach Dusko Ivanovic was pleased with the result but not with all of the play. "We managed to win an important game," he said. "We are still not playing as we should, and there is room to grow, but nevertheless I am glad about how the team reacted and approached the first match of this championship. I especially like how we played in defence, we were quite intense. Every player who went on court could give the team something, so that in the end we got this important win."

Ivanovic also credited the crowd. "The fans set the rhythm for the team, and thanks to them we were also able to get this important win. It is only the first match of the season. The season will be long, and every player must be ready to go on court and give the team something so that it can get results."

He then gave the squad news. "I hope that Chris [Ledlum] will be able to join next week, and Antipov, as planned, should start working with the team from Monday." Asked about the injury to Alexander Shcherbenev, he said: "Let's see what the doctor says, so I can't answer that question yet."

If Ledlum and Antipov are both available in the coming days, Ivanovic may have more options for the trip to UNICS. The Shcherbenev question stays open until the doctor has spoken.