Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk addressed recent criticism from Ukrainian national basketball team head coach Ainars Bagatskis, firmly stating he has never refused a call-up without valid reasons. The NBA player shared his perspective on the public controversy that erupted after the coach suggested Mykhailiuk had ignored national team commitments.
"I never hid from call-ups – quite the opposite. Every time I had the opportunity, I was with the Ukrainian team. Not because someone forced me or manipulated my decision, but because wearing the national team jersey was always an honor for me," – Mykhailiuk explained.
The Ukrainian guard detailed his extensive history with national teams, having competed twice in U-16 European Championships, once in U-18, twice in U-20, and representing the senior team at the World Championship in Spain. He also pointed out that in 2022, he joined the team for World Cup qualifiers and EuroBasket despite health issues and contract uncertainties.
Interestingly, Mykhailiuk claims he personally called the coach this summer expressing his desire to join the team. He states that team management even discussed flight details with him before health problems prevented his participation – something he communicated directly to Bagatskis.
"When my health issues worsened, I personally informed the coach about it and heard words of understanding and wishes for a quick recovery from him," the player noted. However, he was shocked when Bagatskis later publicly claimed he had ignored the call-up.
Mykhailiuk expressed particular concern about the tone and manner of the coach's public statements, which he says led to aggressive messages directed at players and their families.
"Public humiliation doesn't create unity – it destroys it. I sincerely love the national team and am always ready to give my all for it, but I cannot imagine effective work when relationships with players are built on public appearances and contradictory statements," – he added.
The basketball player acknowledged he remains ready to represent Ukraine whenever possible but admitted difficulty imagining further cooperation with someone who "publicly humiliates those who have dedicated years of their lives to the national team."
Can this relationship be repaired? The ball now seems to be in Bagatskis' court as the Ukrainian basketball federation faces a challenging situation with one of its NBA talents.
