Basketball: CSKA Moscow's Kirilenko hails Turkish fans

MOSCOW

CSKA Moscow forward Andrei Kirilenko has said that Turkish fans are “splendid in every field of sports.”

Having returned to CSKA Moscow where he played between 1998 and 2001 and again in the 2011-12 basketball season, Kirilenko said that Turkish fans are the "sixth man on the court."

"Turkish fans are splendid in every field of sports. Because of the atmosphere in the stands, we have great difficulty during games in Turkey," the Russian forward told The Anadolu Agency.

Saying that Turkish basketball had developed quickly in recent years, Kirilenko said: "The number of top-tier teams has increased and a great deal of money is spent on basketball. This year Turkish clubs are playing very good; they have strong and balanced squads. Two great coaches, [Zeljko] Obradovic and [Dusan] Ivkovic are in Turkey."

He also praised CSKA's Turkish opponents, Fenerbahce Ulker, in Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16 stage, stating: "Fenerbahce Ulker are playing in a fast and aggressive way."

Having won gold with the Russian national squad in Eurobasket 2007, Kirilenko said that he was the neighbor of Turkish basketball player Mehmet Okur when they were in the U.S.

"We were neighbors at that time. We were drinking tea many times. ‘Memo’ was offering me baklava (Turkish traditional dessert). I am so happy that he is part of Utah Jazz. I think that he will convey his experience at Jazz to Turkish youngsters."

Kirilenko said he had no doubts about his return to CSKA Moscow.

"I am 34 years old. My retirement is approaching. I want to quit basketball in my country and my home [CSKA Moscow] is the right address. CSKA is the club with which I have family bonds.

“I did not think twice about my return. I did not think about what I will do after retirement. I have some plans but I think that it's not right to leave my experience aside," Kirilenko added.

The 2.06 meters tall (6 feet, 9 inches) forward was designated as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the 2011-12 Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, with 14.1 point, 7.5 rebound and 1.9 block averages.

Kirilenko has tallied 11.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks averages per game during his NBA career. He has also played for Utah Jazz (2001-2011), Minnesota Timberwolves (2012-13) and the Brooklyn Nets (2013-14).

The experienced Russian small forward was selected for the 2004 NBA All-Stars and he was NBA blocks leader in 2005 as well.

Kirilenko helped Russia win their 35th FIBA European Basketball Championship in 2007, as well as contributing to his national team's bronze medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London.