The press service of BC "Prometey" had a conversation with our new sports director. Bronislaw Wawrzynczuk told us about his previous achievements and the goals he sets in "Prometey".

- Bronislaw, welcome to “Prometey”. Let’s get to know each other first, please tell us about yourself. You worked for BC “Ulm”, which is known for scouting and developing young talented players. Please, tell us about this work.

- Thank you, I am very excited about this opportunity. Yes, I have spent 5 seasons with “Ulm”, which has world-class facilities, group of people with know-how and, overall philosophy to develop youngsters. During that time, this small city in Germany became one of the most popular destinations for basketball prospects and scouts worldwide. We were able to bring elite talents from around dozen countries and get two players selected in Top-10 of the NBA Draft. I started from looking for young talented players all over Europe that could join their academy, but gradually my role was expanded also to assisting with building EuroCup team roster. It is rare to give a chance to young players in a high-level competition. Obviously, sometimes it affects the result in a negative way, but it was pleasure to provide them a platform to grow and reach the next level.

-You also worked with the coach Igor Milicic, who led Polish National team to the semi-finals of the EuroBasket 2022. Tell us about this cooperation.

- Igor is already a legendary coach in Poland, especially after the EuroBasket success. He gave me a chance a few years ago to make an impact and prove myself in scouting senior players as well, because at that time I was associated mainly with youth basketball community. It worked out quite well for both of us, as I believe that some of the transfers, which I suggested to make, helped him to win domestic championships.

- You worked as a Scout in the Polish Basketball Federation. You are identifying players with Polish roots worldwide. You are the scout who found Geremy Sochan. This topic is currently interesting for the Ukrainians considering the gact that many young basketball players have gone abroad because of the war in Ukraine. Please, share your experience in this position.

- Poland, due to its history is a widespread nation. We often lough that Chicago is the second biggest Polish city. While being present at the basketball events across the globe, I happened to find or get information about many prospects with Polish roots and started to report about them to the Federation, which eventually resulted in creating a position for me and making the cooperation official. It was a win-win situation – to increase the pool of domestic players and to strengthen their relationship with the motherland. Maybe it’s something that awaits Ukrain in next generations. Mentioned Sochan was originally proposed to the federation by his mum, but I was probable the first professional scout who had a chance to see him back in 2016. He’s generational talent, somebody Poland can build around not only the roster of the National team, but also popularity of entire discipline.

- You worked for Fenerbahce Euroleague team. Tell us about that experience.

- First of all, it was an amazing reward for all my hard work and achievements so far. Also, tremendous honour as it’s one of the biggest teams in Europe and a chance for further growth in my profession. The biggest lesson and benefit was just seeing from up close what the standards on the highest level are and how to build a strong organizational winning culture. Being part of that on a daily basis was the second to none and made me a better executive.

- How did the option of working for BC “Prometey” come about? How were the negotiations? Why did you decide to continue your career at “Prometey”? Whjat is your opinion about “Prometey” as a club?

- I met coach Neno a couple of years ago and we were able to reconnect this season. We had a very good meeting prior to the one EuroCup game when we expressed mutual interest of potentially joining forces in the short future. What convinced me besides a chance to work with such a high-level coach was definitely my role. The Sport Director position is a natural progression for the scout. After many years of being around and researching about players, I got to know all aspects pf basketball business very well, improved personal skills and feel ready for the next step. Also, “Prometey” has a very good reputation as a club and room to keep growing. It’s not only prestigious but also very ambitious job in my eyes.

- What will be your job in “Prometey”? What are you going to do?

- My main responsibility will be to build the roster. Always making sure that players we sign fit the most our budget, playing style and the culture that we have. Being able to make right selections, calls for following the market all year long. However, once the team is built, I will have to oversee its work and help provide all the necessary tools to succeed. I will be involved in all daily aspects regarding sporting side and performance of the team. I will also represent the club on official meetings and events. Besides pure basketball knowledge, my job requires communication and managerial skills. 

- What are your goals with “Prometey”?

- I am a very ambitious person, so I am aiming to reach the final or, maybe, win the EuroCup one of the next years. Once you worked in Euroleague, it’s hard to leave… I hope to be back on this level one day. If that happens with “Prometey” in free country of Ukraine, I would be delighted. But more than anything I want to write my name in the history of the club, leave it better and stronger than it is now.

- What will you start your work with? Perhaps, you have already had some ideas about the future players of “Prometey”?

- Since our season is finished, we are starting to be active on the market. I have planty of ideas, but first we have to decide about the players we had this season, as well as domestic core, to know exactly who to surround them with. One of the ideas that everyone seems to be on the same page with, is having a Latvian player next season, so this is something that our fans can expect to happen, but it’s too early to talk about specific names as of now.