His mind drifts on occasion, wandering several thousand miles — and into the future. Oleksiy Pecherov wants to be ready for the Wizards. He wants to make sure he doesn’t spend his first season sitting for long stretches.
So he’ll quiz new BC Kiev teammate, and NBA veteran, Jermaine Jackson about life in the American pro ranks. And he’ll work out with Jackson after practices, performing drills he hopes will better prepare him.
What Pecherov doesn’t do is wonder what would have happened had he played for the Wizards this season.
“I don’t try to think about this,” Pecherov said by phone from the Ukraine. “When I come here, I will see and figure out what I need to do. Right now I’m in Kiev and need to play here and win something here. … Next season, I be more ready and they have more spots for me.”
Washington’s 2006 first-round pick, a 7-foot, 210-pound power forward, played in Europe because the Wizards had a crowded roster.
“It’s worked out well for both of us,” Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said. “It enabled him to mature physically, emotionally and get consistent playing time, which he would not have done had we brought him over here.”
Pecherov, known more for his shooting and scoring, is a key player for BC Kiev, which won the Ukranian Superleague regular-season title at 22-2. The playoffs began this week.
Pecherov said he’s averaging around 10 points and eight rebounds, though he wasn’t certain — and the team’s Web site did not have updated stats. In his last three games, he averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds. He has started and come off the bench.
Pecherov said he’s been helped by Jackson. And new coach Mahoric Tomo has emphasized team defense, which Pecherov needed to improve. He’s lifted weights, but more to improve his quickness than bulk strength, he said.
“I want to win a championship in Ukraine, but I’m really thinking about the summer,” said Pecherov. “I’ve improved especially understanding basketball. Before, I don’t pass the ball well, so right now I feel like I can pass the ball, penetrate and a little bit shoot. And, of course, I like to score.”
The Wizards have monitored his progress, sending scouts to see him play and talking with him regularly.
“I check out how they play,” Pecherov, 21, said of the Wizards. “I’m really excited to play summer league with Washington and be part of the team. … It will be good time for me; I need to prepare myself.”
Impact player
» In the game that clinched the Ukranian Superleague regular-season title, Pecherov scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Also, in five FIBA qualifying games for the Ukranian national team this fall, he averaged 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots. He missed a month and a half in the fall because of a hip injury.
» Pecherov’s season will be over by the end of May and he’ll come to Washington shortly thereafter to prepare for the summer leagues. The Wizards only have nine players signed for next season, opening room for Pecherov.
