In this extended interview, Budivelnyk’s new head coach Vitaliy Cherniy talks about the first steps in his new role, building the team, working with national squads, and shares his thoughts on leadership, European competitions, and the coaching staff.
— You’ve been leading Budivelnyk for two months now. What has been your main focus in this early stage? What’s been accomplished already, and what are the near-term priorities?
— First and foremost — building the roster. We’re approaching this process very carefully. Every player is a part of the system we aim to create. The team must be competitive and ambitious. Names don’t win games — those who follow the coaching staff’s plan do.
The second key goal is to create a family-like atmosphere. Everyone should have each other’s back — support and care matter. Team unity is the foundation of all success. The final roster isn’t fully formed yet. It’s a step-by-step process. Some positions still need to be strengthened and refined.
— Can you give a sense of when the team’s core will be finalized? There’s no center yet — are there any leads? Should fans expect American or other international signings?
— The first step is forming a strong Ukrainian core. Then we’ll address the weaker positions.
As for the center — we do have some leads. But I won’t name names just yet. We’re in the middle of calls and correspondence, and everything changes rapidly these days. Some promising options have paused negotiations due to the current situation in the country. So I can’t say we have a done deal or a name ready to shake up Ukrainian basketball. But we’re aiming for quality — not headlines.
— How’s your communication with the players at this point?
— I’m currently with the national teams, so the communication isn’t as consistent as I’d like. But we’re in contact — I see how the players are working. Soon our strength and conditioning coach will provide them with individual workouts to make sure they’re ready for training camp.
The communication will only grow. I’m in regular contact with Yevheniya Spitkovska — she’s been a huge help to me and to the team.
— Are you keeping track of other teams’ rosters? Does that influence your decisions?
— Of course. But the market is very limited right now. There aren’t many high-quality players available in Ukraine. I don’t see any extraordinary moves by competitors yet, but we’re monitoring everything.
— What will the preseason look like? Where and when? Any scrimmages or friendlies planned?
— As any coach will tell you, the more time you have to establish team and individual chemistry, the better. But there’s never enough of it. We’re gathering at the end of August for medicals, and in early September we’ll begin on-court work and tactical drills. Hopefully, by then we’ll have our core squad ready. Negotiations are ongoing, though we still have weak spots — I won’t get into specifics just yet. We’re planning friendlies, maybe even mini-tournaments. Dates and locations will be announced soon.
— Any ideas on who might take on the captain’s role or lead in the locker room?
— I have some thoughts, but I want to see how things play out on the court and within the group dynamic. I’ve already discussed it with a few players and am gathering input. Leadership is crucial — this person must lead both on and off the court. That’s true in both women’s and men’s basketball.
— You’re also coaching the U16 women’s national team in Latvia right now. What are the goals for this group ahead of the European Championship? And how many games are you watching these days, with so many youth tournaments going on?
— The U18 Men’s European Championship is happening now, and we’re taking part. I watch every single game our men’s and women’s teams play — whenever there’s a stream, I’m watching. Sometimes I rewatch games too, to analyze properly. It’s not always straightforward. We analyze each team, player, and coaching decision. I’ve been doing this for two years now — it’s not just watching, it’s analysis, monitoring progress. There’s a lot of work and a lot of ideas.
That said, we have long-standing issues to address. These aren’t new, but we must find solutions — not just me, but as a collective. That’s why constant communication with coaches, commission members, and clubs is vital. We must solve this together.
Right now I’m working with the U16 girls in Kraslava, Latvia, where the U20 squad is also based. I’m running practices and observing the older girls as well. Their effort is incredible. I’m grateful to the coaches and the players — I hope everything we’re working on shows up in real games. Practice is one thing; the match itself is another. That’s where it counts.
Before this, I worked with the U18 girls and then the U20s. I also visited Riga to observe the U18 boys. So it’s both direct coaching and analytical work across national teams. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough time — the intensity is enormous.
— Do you plan for Budivelnyk to compete in European tournaments this season?
— Absolutely. It’s a different level of play, speed, and skill. If you want to grow, you have to reach higher. European competitions are a challenge that inspires. The more international games — the better.
— Is your coaching staff at Budivelnyk already complete, or still in progress?
— Still in progress. We’re carefully forming a team that’s up to the task. We want a strong, high-quality coaching staff. It’s not perfect yet — but that’s what drives growth. There’s always room for improvement — in the team, and in each of us.
