"Ordu" team captain Rustam Aliyev assessed the team's performance in the Azerbaijan Basketball League this season.

"Report" reports that the basketball player said in a statement to the club's press service that there were a number of shortcomings.

He stated that despite competing with a low budget, they showed determination:

"Not every team gets to participate in the playoffs with a low budget. We qualified for this stage by fighting hard with a low budget, even with a shortage of players. In the first match of the final stage, we played head-to-head with "Neftchi". There was a problem with local players in the squad. There were not many legionnaires either, so we could rotate. When our main playmaker Ramme Griffin got injured, it was difficult to replace him. We had difficulties in such situations due to the weakness of our reserve forces. I am absolutely sure that if there were no problems with rotation, we could have done more. In any case, I believe that "Ordu" has already formed as a team."

He said that he rediscovered himself in the team:

"I played for "Sabah" club for 2 years. Their goals are completely different. It is very difficult to get into the squad. Therefore, there are very few opportunities to show yourself. In "Ordu", I am considered one of the main players. In many cases, the coach built the game around me. This factor played a significant role in my development. It's like I rediscovered myself. Therefore, I would like to thank Alberto Blanco. He taught me which positions I can be more helpful in. Now I have a lot of confidence in myself. Although injuries have set me back a lot, I have already started physical training to be fully prepared for the next season."

R.Aliyev also answered the question about his future fate:

"To be honest, I have not yet received an offer to stay in "Ordu". If there is an offer, we will talk. Of course, everything will depend on the club's budget and goals. It is difficult to say anything now. I believe that something good will happen for both the club and me."

It should be noted that "Ordu" lost both games to "Neftchi" in the 1/4 finals (54:88, 84:93) and stopped the fight.