Viktor chatted with fans on April 13.
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Viktor Khryapa was an early entry candidate for the 2004 NBA Draft. He is one of the
most promising players Russia has produced in many years. Khryapa was selected by the
New Jersey Nets as the 22nd overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. The Draft rights were
soon after traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Khryapa grew up with Khimik Engels (Russia) juniors and then moved to Autodorozhnik
Saratov (Russia) in 2000. In 2001, he was named the Russian League Most Improved
Player. He received a taste of top international competition when he earned a spot on
the Russian National Team that competed in the 2002 World Championship in Indianapolis.
As the Russian National Team?s youngest player, he saw action in all eight games in a
reserve role, averaging 2.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and one assist in 10.8 minutes per
game. Had previously been a member of the Russian Junior National Team and played in
the European Junior Championships in both 2000 and 2002.
During the 2001-02 season for Autodor Saratov, Viktor averaged 32.3 minutes, 13.1
points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocked shots per game.
Viktor is a good athlete with quickness and leaping ability. Despite his lack of bulk
and weight, he is a good rebounder and a noted shot blocker. He runs the floor well,
can finish the break, has good size for a small forward, and has an excellent defensive
attitude.
Viktor chatted live with fans on Wednesday, April 13. See the complete chat transcript below:
Nick (Portland): Hey Viktor,
How is it living in the USA?
Viktor Khryapa: I like living here, it's very good, it's a much easier life than in Russia. Portland has nice weather, because I'm used to snow and I can always go to the mountains here.
Alex (Portland, Oregon): Hey Viktor, was it hard to transfer from Russia's basketball to the NBA? congratulations on a great year!! Go Trail Blazers!!
Viktor Khryapa: It wasn't that hard to play, but it was hard to get into the NBA from playing in Europe and Russia. Most NBA teams can see the American players in college so they know about them, and they don't see us as much, so that is more difficult.
Michael (Europe): Hey Viktor,
how do you think your rookie season over all has been and what has improved with your game since you left Europe?
Viktor Khryapa: For me, it's hard to say because I was injured. Since the injury, I need to improve everything. I need to get stronger and faster. I need to improve in many areas.
Alvin, Miami FL: Hey Viktor,
Do alot of Russians play basketball? Also, when did you start playing bastketball?
Viktor Khryapa: I started playing when I was 7, which was early, because I had older brothers who played. I joined him on his workouts and when I was 7 I started going to my regular school, and to a basketball school. But basketball is not as popular as soccer in Russia. Everybody loves soccer.
David (Eugene): How do you like Portland? What are your favorite things to do in the city?
Viktor Khryapa: Portland is a great city. There are lots of trees and lots of green and compared to Russia it's not that cold. I go up to the mountains, take trails and go to the zoo. I like to enjoy the views.
Karen (Vancouver WA): What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing basketball?
GO BLAZERS
Viktor Khryapa: I like to go to the movies and play on the computer. When I travel I bring my laptop with me. Being from a different country, at the beginning of the season I didn't know people here, so I went on the internet alot and to movies. But now, I know the players better and I can interact with them now, not just about basketball but about other things too.
Ted: Is Kirelenko as much a celebrity in Russia as Yao is in China, or Sabonis is in Lithuania?
Viktor Khryapa: It's different, because like I said soccer is the most popular sport. Yao and Sabonis are more popular in their countries than Andrei, just because basketball isn't as popular in Russia.
Ben (Portland): First off you are the kind of player the fans here want to see the team built around. Second how is your foot? are you still in much pain.
Viktor Khryapa: It's not the pain, just some weakness. I can't jump as well as I could before, but I am able to play and contribute to the team, which is the most important thing.
samantha(portland): hey umm what does it feel like to play with damon stoudamire? Have Rose City/fans helped you out at all?
Viktor Khryapa: I like playing with Damon, because he has lots of experience in the NBA. Back in my first game, he gave me lots of advice and helped me. He helped me adjust and learn about the game. Sitting on the bench and studying tape can only do so much, you have to do it on the court and Damon has helped me with that. For the second part, since I've been playing the fans have really supported me. They know that when I get on the floor I try my best. I also like seeing them off the court at charity events at hospitals and things like that. It's been great with the fans here at Portland.
Samanthat (Portland): What is a typical game day like?
Viktor Khryapa: Before the game, I arrive early, very early. I work on some things, and get my body loose and get my body ready to play. After that I go to the team meeting and get ready for the game.
Viktor Khryapa: I'd like to thank the fans for coming to our games and supporting us. We've had a tough season, but the fans are still supporting us and I really, really appreciate that. We don't only play for ourselves, we play for the fans.
