Alexander Volkov proved throughout his playing career that he was able to rise to the occasion and deliver for his teams.

He is now in the process of doing the same as an executive for BC Kyiv.

Volkov, one of the first European players to make the jump to the NBA in the early nineties, was a key player in the USSR’s international basketball success in the eighties.

		Alexander Volkov played on the USSR's 1988 Olympic gold medal team

The 210- cm center was a part of the Soviet Union’s 1988 gold medal run and their first place finish at the 1985 European Championship.

Today, Volkov is a major figure within European basketball through his roles as a FIBA Europe board member, Vice President of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation and a member of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee.

In addition, he started the basketball club BC Kyiv in 1999 and became the President. Seven years later, Volkov is about to take on his biggest challenge yet as an administrator after FIBA Europe announced Kiev as the host city for the EuroCup Final Four.

“This is the greatest moment of my career as an administrator – no doubt,” said Volkov of Kiev’s selection as the host city.

Volkov is confident that the outcome of the Final Four will be successful and significant.

“I expect the Final Four to be hard fought and exciting,” he said. “This is a dream and a big achievement for this city [Kiev]. Our fans deserve it. And we hope that this will create more fans in the Ukraine. Often times after big games, kids will become attracted to the sport. For us to keep the sport increasing, this Final Four is very important.”

The life of a top-level executive in the run-up to the staging of a major event involves less sleep, more phone calls and greater pressure.

For Volkov, the challenges involved as President of the club are more difficult and challenging than the pressures he faced from his playing days.

“Basketball is for players and the fans. For those in administration, it’s just lots of hard work,” he said half jokingly.

Still, Volkov is grateful to be in his position.

“It’s a huge responsibility, but this is my life and I enjoy it. I am able to combine my hobby with a business interest, so in that way I am fortunate.”

Volkov will begin to see the realisation of the EuroCup Final Four on April 7 when BC Khimki take on St. Petersburg and Volkov’s BC Kyiv club host DKV Joventut.