Kapogiannis: “I wanted years to work in China, blessed to live all these experiences”

The former coach Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and National Iran; Eleni Kapogiannilately training at China and shared, among other things, her experience from the country of the Far East, giving an interview to Web Radio her Eh.

In detail what he said:

For what she thought about when the proposal came from Heilong and China: “The truth is that I had considered it a sign, because for the last 2-2.5 years I had put China in my mind. It was something I wanted to happen. That’s where life brought it so and eventually became a reality. “

For its impressions of China and basketball in the country: “I will say it with one phrase: I am impressed by China in general, as a society, as a quality of life. In terms of basketball, WCBA is a thumbnail of WNBA. The Chinese copy the NBA and WNBA as events, what does this event come with every time there is a match, with amazing facilities, organizing it comparable to very good professional teams, but with poor know -how. The Chinese love basketball and love Chinese women’s basketball. “

For what is the hardest part he is facing there: “The hardest part for a coach is to change the mentality of Chinese athletes and athletes. Yes they love basketball, but they also love the spectacle. They are not very interested in playing defense, reading the game, wanting to do their own. It is very difficult to persuade and inspire these girls to see it a little differently, to teach the game, to perceive it in depth and to play in more European standards. There is a lot of talent, however, they work from a young age. I don’t think anyone can see a Chinese player who doesn’t shoot a three -point. In the part of mentality and how to train, a lot of work has to be done, which is not easy and it takes time to make an improvement for the better. “

For the team and future goals: “After 8 years, the team has managed to get back to the play-offs and this is a great success for both the team and the city, because it represents a provincial town and it is its pride. This satisfies me, thanks me. Having put these foundations, then, we want to make a roster for the next season that will be competitive, which will play more attractive basketball. I think by closing this year we left a good stock to start from a higher base. “

Whether the Chinese are also opening to European countries in terms of ideas they get: “The opening really exists. On the other hand, the Chinese yes are looking for this, but they are also a little selfish. They have been nourished as a people differently, they have a selfishness, they are a little … stuck, they want things to happen in their own way. I believe that there should be a flexibility on the part of the coach and a receptivity on the part of the Chinese factor in order to have a “marriage”. In the city where I was the blessing of having a surprisingly educated GM running the team, with a very “open” mind, very nice plan and really wants to put this know -how from the little ones to create players. The plan he has and is short -term is very nice and I think he is so capable that he will do it at some point. “

Whether at the beginning of her coaching career she expected that she could open so many horizons: “I didn’t expect it. On the other hand, I find it a blessing for a human being, and especially a coach, to have the opportunity to experience these experiences I have lived through. Of course, I work very much, I like basketball, it’s what I always want to do, I always want to be distinguished and improved. I think the life that has … predicted me for my job to take a step further. “