Former coach of Cso Voluntari, in tears at the press conference, after the victory of Ukraine: “The bastards did not come”
Article by David Istrate – published on Saturday, 09 August 2025 23:38 / Updated on Saturday, 09 August 2025 23:42
Ainars Bagatskis (58 years old), who broke up this summer by CSO Voluntari and, at present, runs the national of Ukraine, spoke, among tears, to the press conference followed by Victoria with Slovakia, score 80-71, from the precalifications of the World Basketball Championship from 2027.
On Saturday, August 9, 3 days after the dramatic failure with Switzerland (64-66), Ukraine achieved the first success in the second phase of the world championship. In a match played in Riga, the capital of Latvia, which became the “house” of the Ukrainians, The national team coached by Ainars Bagatskis imposed 80-71 in front of Slovakia.
The winner's leaders were ISSU Sanon (23 points, 6 decisive passes, 4 recovery), Viacheslav Bobrov (18 points, 8 recovery) and Oleksandr Kovliar (14 points, 5 decisive passes).
Ainars Bagatskis, visibly excited, praised their players: “They came, they trained, they sweat, they fought”
After the party ended, the Ukrainian technician was extremely excited at the press conference, praising their students and criticizing the players who refused to call the national team.
“I was in Ukraine, I drove the national, I played in Euroliga, in Eurocup, in arenas full of many spectators. I really want, as fast as possible, let's go back because these boys …“Said Bagatskis, having to interrupt his speech because of emotions.
“… they showed their dedication. They came, trained, sweated and fought. Others, I'm sorry, the bastards didn't come. Bravo!“Added the Latvian coach, making signs that his players are applauding.
Coach Bagatskis after ukraine nt win over slovakia.
Very emotional.
But very important Words.
Respect. pic.twitter.com/7dmuo2ea5e
– Oleksandr Proshuta (@alex_proshuta) August 9, 2025
According to Ukrainian journalist Oleksandr Proshuta, the basketball players who refused, this summer, Bagatskis are Alex Len (last time at Los Angeles Lakers), Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Utah Jazz) and Dmyro Skapintsev (Hapoel Jerusalem).
Ukraine also has two matches in Group D of the World Championship precalements: Saturday, August 16, against Switzerland, also in Riga and Wednesday, August 20, in Bratislava, against Slovakia. At this moment, the Ukrainians are in the first place in the group, all the 3 nationals having identical balance: 1-1.
After 2 and a half years in Romania, Ainars Bagatskis took over the Technical Bank of Slastk Wroclaw
Ainars Bagatskis arrived in Romania in 2022, when he replaced Saşa Ocokoljic at CSO Voluntari. In the Season 2024-2025, the 58-year-old coach helped Ilfoveni win 2 trophies: The Romanian Cup and European North Basketball League.
This summer, Bagatskis made the decision to leave CSO Voluntari And he signed in Poland, with Slastk Wroclaw, a team he will lead in Eurocup, being in the same group as U-BT Cluj-Napoca. Also, the Latvian is in the second term on the bank of the Ukrainian national.
When I gave up (no the first term) was my idea, because we did not qualify for the World Championship and I was quite tired, especially because of the war. No one can imagine what it means to train the national country in war. I needed a break
– Ainars Bagatskis, In an interview for gsp.ro
Ainars Bagatskis, surrounded by its players from CSO Voluntari/Photo: Facebook (CSO Voluntari – basketball)
