Zenit St. Petersburg center Luka Shamanic has shared his thoughts ahead of the highly anticipated VTB United League playoff semifinal series against UNICS Kazan, which is set to begin on May 11. The Croatian big man acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming matchup, even though his team has had the upper hand in recent encounters.
Shamanic pointed out that Zenit has managed to defeat UNICS in their last three meetings. This winning streak, however, does not make the center complacent. He expects the Kazan side to make significant adjustments to their game plan in response to those losses. The Zenit player also highlighted the quality of the UNICS roster, noting they have excellent players who will pose a serious threat.
A key factor in the series will be the home-court advantage, which initially belongs to UNICS. Zenit will start the series on the road, playing the first two games in Kazan. Shamanic emphasized that these opening contests will be crucial for setting the tone for the entire semifinal. Securing a positive result away from home could provide a massive psychological boost for the team from Saint Petersburg.
While the specific tactical approach will be dictated by the coaching staff, Shamanic anticipates a particular style of play. He foresees a very tough, physical battle on the court, especially during the games in Kazan. The atmosphere and the stakes of a playoff semifinal are expected to turn the matchups into a real war of attrition, demanding maximum effort and resilience from both sides.
The recent history between these two VTB United League powerhouses adds another layer of intrigue. Zenit's three consecutive victories include two wins during the regular season on March 7 and April 15, as well as a triumph in the Winline Basket Cup on March 26. These results demonstrate Zenit's current form and ability to solve the UNICS puzzle.
However, UNICS has also proven they can beat Zenit. The Kazan team emerged victorious in the regular season matchups on October 4, 2025, and December 20, 2025. This history shows that the series is likely to be closely contested, with both teams capable of winning on any given night. The playoff context, however, elevates the intensity to a completely different level.
The semifinal series represents a major step for both clubs in their quest for the VTB United League championship. For Zenit, continuing their recent dominance over UNICS would be a statement of intent. For UNICS, overcoming their recent slump against a direct rival would be a significant confidence booster. All eyes will be on the first tip-off in Kazan on May 11 to see which team sets the early pace.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.