CSKA Center Tony Jekiri Calls for Stronger Defense and Championship Focus
In a recent interview with Legalbet, CSKA Moscow center Tony Jekiri emphasized that the team must play tougher on defense and secure more victories to improve their standing before the playoffs. The veteran big man believes the red-blue squad has the talent to push for the title this season. He stressed that better defense begins with intent and effort, especially on the boards and in rebounding battles.
Jekiri outlined a clear plan for the team. He said the group needs to deliver more meaningful basketball when defending, chase more rebounds, and react quickly to second-chance opportunities. By tightening the tempo on defense and translating that energy into stops and fast breaks, CSKA can create the kind of pressure that wins games. He added that there is still progress to be made and that the most important parts of their journey are ahead. The ultimate goal, he asserted, is to bring the championship back to Moscow.
Throughout February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged international sports federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in events. FIBA supported the proposal, a move that would have kept the Russian men’s and women’s teams from participating in the 2023 World Cup. The situation highlighted how political and global sports decisions can influence club and national team play, and players like Jekiri are not insulated from the broader context surrounding competitive basketball in the region.
As a CSKA figure who has long been associated with the club’s legacy, Jekiri’s remarks carry weight among fans who remember the club’s standout seasons. His comments reflect a broader mindset within the team: the need to stay focused, adapt on defense, and keep pursuing victory despite challenges. The path to a championship demands consistent effort, strategic defense, and clutch performances when the season reaches its critical stages. The supporters are left with a message that resilience and disciplined defense may pave the way to a title run for CSKA.