At an age when many professional athletes have long since retired, Russian guard Evgeny Voronov continues to defy expectations. The veteran player for MBA-MAI, who celebrated his 40th birthday on May 7, recently opened up about the internal fire that keeps him competing at the highest level of Russian basketball.
Voronov's motivation stems from an intense, ingrained hatred of losing. He explained that this competitive spirit applies to all aspects of his life, whether he's playing board games with his children or engaging in a casual pickup game of football or basketball. For him, the idea of simply conceding or 'taking a dive' is fundamentally difficult.
This fierce mentality directly translates to his professional career. Voronov revealed that the arrival of younger players or new signings who play his position only serves to strengthen his resolve. Instead of feeling threatened, he uses it as fuel. He described having an 'internal drive' to prove that the court is still his domain and that it is far too early to write him off.
His performance in the most recent season of the United League speaks to this enduring capability. Voronov was a consistent presence for MBA-MAI, appearing in 31 games throughout the campaign. While his role may have evolved, his contributions remained valuable, averaging 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He achieved these numbers while playing an average of 18 minutes per contest, demonstrating his continued importance to the team's rotation.
Voronov's story is a testament to the power of mindset and sheer willpower in professional sports. His refusal to accept a diminished role and his constant desire to compete against younger generations highlight the psychological traits that have allowed him to extend his career well into his forties.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.