On May 20 Levan Kipiani, minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, and Zaza Pachulia, central forward of the Georgian national basketball team and “Atlanta Hawks”, held a joint press conference at the ministry.
Before the press conference, Levan and Zaza talked behind the closed door for more than an hour.
Levan Kipiani: “Georgians do not have many sportsmen like Pachulia. It was a great honor for me to meet him. Basketball is one of the most important sports in Georgia. We agreed on active collaboration. I thank him for participating in sports events dedicated to the Independence Day on May 26. He will participate in street basketball”.
Zaza Pachulia: “I thank Levan for warm greeting. We have not known each other and I am happy to meet him. As for my leg injury, I want to mention that rehabilitation process is going on very quickly. I am leaving for America in two weeks. Unfortunately, I will not be able to play for the Georgian national team at EuroBasket. I can help the team psychologically. I have played for the Georgian team for 13 years and I am very disappointed that I cannot help my teammates.
- You are a free agent now. Where will you continue your career?
- To tell the truth, I am nervous. I have played for “Atlanta Hawks” for 8 years. Atlanta is my second home. Love and devotion is one thing and business – another. I will choose the best variant.
- Are you going to establish a basketball school in Georgia?
- I have said and I repeat again that I want to establish a basketball school in Georgia.
- When are you going to leave active sport?
- I am going to play for another 5-6 years.
Roland Labuchidze