| American playmaker of the "Spartak" team

17.09.2009 American playmaker of the "Spartak" team, Levans Fields, has spent his first days and trainings in St. Petersburg

Alexander YACOBSON

Dark-skinned beginner of the "red-whites" is 22 years old, and he is only beginning the career in professional basketball. Fields has informed the "Sankt-Peterburgskie vedomosti" newspaper correspondent Alexander YACOBSON about his first impressions of a new team.

– Levans, welcome to the St. Petersburg. What impressions of our city?

- Thanks, all is well. I saw the city during a short time through the car's windows, but i like, what i saw. Obviously, it's a big and beautiful city. The club make all for my easier adaptation.

– What did you know about the "Spartak" team before signing the contract?

- Actually, i knew nothing. I have never visited a Europe. When the agent has told me about an opportunity to play in the "Spartak", i have become interested in European basketball, and began to study the rules difference.

- Does European basketball have essential differences with American basketball?

- Actually, all things are different : the movements, play forward, guard, even the throws differ from the American manner. But, on the other hand, something even is easier. For example, a triple is closer, than in NBA.

- Do you understand, already, what style the "Spartak" will use in play: defensive or more like attacking?

- Hitherto we perfected physical conditioning, simple combinations. In general, the trainer will decide what to do, i am ready to play under any scheme. By the way, it is very good that practically all guys and trainer can speak English, otherwise it could be very difficult for me.

- Please, tell when and why did you begin to play basketball?

- My uncle, basketballer, has shown me this game, when i was a little child. Since then i wasn't separate from the ball, i participated in all competitions, what only were available.

- Did you never try the other kinds of sports really?

- I was very good in baseball, but i like the basketball more, and the uniform is nice there.

- What moment of your career was the most bright on your mind?

- In 2007/2008 season for "Pittsburgh" we lost almost 30 points in one match - there was no game. Nobody trusted us already, but we came back and became the winners. We got unforgettable impressions!

- Can you compare the students basketball and professional basketball?

To speak about the USA, difference is less, than between European and American basketball. The basic difference is professionals play for money, and it is clear, that the trainings are more difficult in this case, and the game is faster and harder.

- When did you know about the interest to you from Russia?

- My agent has told me about the "Spartak" club in the beginning of July. He is well communicating with management of club, and he has assured me, that this is the best continuation of my career, therefore i didn't think twice about this suggestion. I was in training camp of NBA in "Orlando Magic", but i could not entrench oneself there for some reasons.

- I know, you played with the forward of "Spartak" Milovan Rakovich in "Orlando". What did he tell you about Russia?

- Raky told me, that "Spartak" is a big club with excellent organization, and St. Petersburg is a beautiful city, where people are very affable. Also, he told, that Championship of Russia is a very strong competition. Now, i am here, and i can notice, that Raky told me the truth.

- In a Championship of Russia the teams play about 30 - 40 games during season. Is it enough for to grow as a basketballer?

- Yes, quite. I played about 37 matchs during season in the USA , and it is sufficient for me. I don't see any problems.

- You have concluded the contract for system "2 + 1". Do you plan to play long time in Russia?

- I want to win the Championship of Russia with "Spartak" and then to get in the NBA club. NBA is my dream. It is necessary to say, my family was upset that i can't already now play in the USA, but i have explained that my moving to Russia is the best way for me now.

- I think, you know at least a one Russian basketballer ...

- Yes, of course! Andrey Kirilenko plays in "Utah", and he was beginning in the "Spartak"! I know, that the Moscow teams are very strong and there are players of NBA level. But i am not interested in other teams, i am aiming for success only of my club.

- Are you afraid of cold winter?

- Not especially, because i am a home person. I don't like to go for a walk very often. I think, my mother will come here, maybe, someone else from my relatives, therefore i shall not feel sad.