Alexander Butko

I prefer Butko than Grankin

I think what makes Butko a very good setter is that he's very efficient. It just takes him a few steps to be in position. Because of this, he seems to conserve a lot of energy. Also he's a thinking setter. He knows exactly where he's going to set the ball once he receives it. I thought he adjusted well to suit the demands and preferences of his hitters, Volkov and Apalikov in particular. Grankin definitely has his merits. But Butko is coming into his own. I won't be surprised if he is elected as the primary setter for the Olympic Games. He has the confidence of his team mates.

Mmmm....i'm not so sure. My memories about him have always been those of a MB forced to become an opposite because we had no-one good enough to play that role in NT! But, since I'm not a conceited person, let me check this thing and if you're right i shall offer you (with pleasure :)) a coffee next time we meet :D

Pearl, at the age of 18 Fei was an opposite.

@Henrique: "Many people think Fei started as a middle, but he was an opposite, moving to play as a MB in the early 2000s." No, man...I can assure you...it's the contrary. Fox started as a MB since when he was very young and played in Foiano della Chiana's team (C1 league). Then he was asked to change his role :)

Savani is the worst in receiving Italian OH I have watched, visible difference with Matey, who is considered average in this, more visible with Zaytsev and Parodi, incomparable with Papi, that's why I gave him as example

The music is annoying but the clip is awesome.. Nice 5* :)

Zyta, Ivan Miljkovic got a silver medal at 1998 worlds. BTW, Ivan and Fei started on their NTs that year. Many people think Fei started as a middle, but he was an opposite, moving to play as a MB in the early 2000s.

Wow! This is awesome. Three great players – Papi is a legend, one of my all time favourites.

Welcome to my world! When you deal with kids who can barely understand that 2+2=4, you’ll definitely have to repeat yourself. ;-)

None of them is bad, only a lunatic would say that seriously, but Zlatanov is another kind of player. Perhaps, as you suggested, we should discuss about him in private.

Perfect! When you analyze passing, for example, you must consider the size of the covered zone and teammates, among other aspects.

Although he’s a libero, Marra’s passing isn’t very reliable. He’s a better digger than receiver. Zlatanov learned to pass around 10 years ago when he saw he needed that to reach a spot on the NT for Athens Olympics, which didn’t happen due to his quarrel with coach Montali. He had improved a lot in his best years and became a better passer. I remember him at 2003 WL, when sometimes he had a bigger zone than Giani, who was an all-around player.

I know that, in Lube Savani is covered by Parodi and Exiga.

Why do I have to repeat myself over and over again... By calling a player like Zlatanov, Kaziyski or Kurek uncomplete, one-sided or whatever you call it, that doesn't mean I call them a bad player. Everybody, me included recognises their abilities. I know very well, that those players can make the difference on the court by scoring difficult balls.

Zyta, I would have expected something better too. But the stats don't show everything. If a team has an outside hitter as main scorer, opponents often target on him with hard jump serves to break his rhythm in attack. And some players cover a bigger part of the court in receiving than others. Btw that is no excuse for Zlatanov. Next to Marra and Papi, is is for sure not the main receiver.

Really? I would say his reception is on Matey's level pretty much.

Oh please, I really didn't want to restart this discussion about complete or uncomplete players.
Raylight, of course being tall doesn't mean automatically being a bad receiver, Konstantinov is the best example, no doubt.
But being tall means being slower than small players because of your higher balance point. Standing tall, means that tall players have to bend down more to receive jump serves. In general tall players are not as mobile. You will always find exceptions.

ehm... I guess you know the impact of talent and natural given ball-handling skills. Savani and Zlatanov are totally different types.

To verify my talking, I just checked out the statistics from Serie A this year. Zlatanov was and still is a great player, but his reception is only decent. By far the worst of his team(Papi rocks!), worse than Kaziyski and Juantorena. Btw Savani has the worst reception of all of them, which surprises me.

I know but I meant first medals.



He experiencing another youth ;-) Kicking roma's asses by himself etc. Together with Nikolov and Papi they create Happy Grandpa's Trio. Take a look at the stats from last match: http://www.legavolley.it/TabellinoGara.asp?IdGara=22047


He needed knee surgery, so he couldn't be on World Cup.



for God's sake Ray! Thinking he could be worse than Sava it's a sin! ?

We have one young guy, Mika with 208cm height and his reception is better than Kurek's.

pesazi, once again you prove that you don't watch enough of that what are you talking ... Watch Zlatanov in 2007 and 2008 in Piacenza and tell me who else was able stop Trentino in Seria A back then ...

Pesazi, some tall guys can receive, Plamen Konstantinov, who is 201 cm , very powerful was one of the best receivers in volleyball. I don't know how was Zlatanov in his best days, but he is from his 15th birthday in Italy and is product of their school, so can't be worse than Savani for example

Are you serious? To me he always seemed to be one of those big outside hitters, without reception and defense, relying on high passes. Maybe I'm wrong, I already showed up with my lack of knowledge about italian players once in this discussion. But I just cannot belive that a man with his stature has also skills in reception and defense... Maybe we should continue our fight in pm's... polaco kids or matey freaks could be annoyed.

Okay, Pesazi, you found a new enemy. From now on I’ll leave Polaco kids in peace and I’ll also stop bugging those annoying Matey freaks. How can you say a bad word about Hristo Zlatanov? You must be talking about some recent matches. Did you see him on his best days? I started watching him when he was young, still trying to learn to pass. He became a very good player. Zlatanov is one of those guys who give his team some balance. Dunno how he’s playing lately, but he was someone to be respected last decade. Pearl, I knew that and I was just being mean for a change. ;-)

Henrique?!? Silly conversation that one about Butko's and Kurek 's meanings in Bulgarian?? I took an active part in that!! LOL Pesazi: Rome in that match was very very very poor thing :(

YOU like Zlatanov?! He definitely is a cool guy, very sympathic and courageous, I really like him therefore.
But as a player, he is one of those unbalanced, uncomplete players. Like a cheap version of this bulgarian player, forgot his name... I always thought this type of player would be your personal enemy, like it's mine.
I saw him lately against Rome. he scored 23 points in three sets. He got every ball in the critical moments. Impressive stuff.

What happened with Grankin ? Why he's not in the NT ?

Didn’t you see that silly conversation about what “Butko” and “Kurek” mean in some other language? Butko wouldn’t like that for sure. I just phoned him to know if he’s okay with our thoughts and he said we can go on. He also told me he wants more information about Cameroon. It’s so rare a good discussion here with more than three people involved that I’m enjoying this one.

Poor Butko :( he really didn't deserved his video to be so spammed :( Henrique: Maybe we could ask Wilfredo to create a new discussion about me and you talking about my NT ;)

Pearl, obviously there are some weaknesses. Sometimes the Italian reception falls to a bad level. Also, we can see too many ups and downs on serving, for example. Anyway, every team has weaknesses. Sorry, but stop saying sorry. lol

Henrique: I lost my faith somewhere halfway WL an WC :D I'm joking...of course i'll always support my team and if they get something important i'll be the first to enjoy and celebrate with them. But i'm also realistic and i see more weaksnesses than strengths. Hope i'm wrong and you're right :D BTW i like Marra too ;) And sorry once again for OT.

Hey Pesazi, I really don’t know how Zlatanov has been playing lately, I know he left the NT after Beijing, but if you wanna find an enemy, just say a bad word about him and we can start a fight. I felt bad for him when he had a quarrel with Montali back in 2004 and he couldn’t play at Athens Olympics. Going to Beijing was a late compensation, and I knew, after beating Poland and advancing to the semis, Team Italy couldn’t get a medal, but it was nice to see Zlatanov being given an opportunity. Hristo Zlatanov is one of my favourite Italian players. You’re right, man, finally Italy set up a team who can fight for medals since the end of the first Olympic cycle of this century. Unlike Pearl, I believe Italy is strong and very consistent. Making the middle stronger and taking advantage of Zaytsev and Lasko improvement was essential for this rise. BTW, we discussed a lot about Butko (Kate must be happy), the change was interesting as we’re discussing about NTs with some good people sharing their thoughts. Pearl, where’s your faith? You gotta believe. I see Italy very close to Russia and Brazil. I’m sure Berruto is working on the serve and reception, so we should see an Italian squad even stronger in 2012. Some people here say they’re good enough to reach the podium, but not for gold. Well, they’re NOT the favourites for sure, but sometimes the gold comes because of details, and maybe Berruto is chasing them. You say Mastro and Fei are old, but remember we’re talking about London 2012. Paparoni is good and deserved a real chance on NT. Bari and Marra can’t deliver. Brazilian players love Marra, same way they love Sokolov. ;-)

ray, you already know that i like Falaschi :) Give me a favour...call Berruto and tell him to give this guy a chance ;)

pearl, what about Marco Falaschi? He made great games last year

Pesazi: in fact i wrote "except spikers" :) Zaytsev, Parodi and Savani are good, but Zaytsev has too many ups and downs and Parodi hasn't recovered 100% from his injury; Maruotti isn't as good as those previously named; Fortunato is a MB and he's 35 or something; Zlatanov doesn't play for NT anymore and he's 36 (too old for Berruto's proposal of regenerating our NT). MB: Mastro and Fei are okay but Gigi is 36 and Fox is 33; Sala and Tencati don't play for NT anymore (and they're over 30 too); Bira and Buti are pretty good but are not gods; one good and young MB imo is Barone. Setters: Vermiglio is still the best. He's probably having some problems with a new and different league but, in any case, he's definetely out of NT and he's 36. So we've got Travica, and he's fine, but after him there's no-one (Baranowicz lacks of experience and Boninfante lacks of talent - sorry Dante, it's nothing personal...i swear). Opposite: Lasko...okay; Fei....i don't think so; Sabbi is pretty interesting but he's too young and inexperienced. Libero: here you're right. It's the only position where we can choose among many good players (Bari, Giovi, Colaci, Marra, De Pandis, Paparoni). Sorry for my OT.

Hm, I guess I meant Martino instead of Fortunato, I'm confused. Even more confusing are all those new guys with non-italian sounding names. First, Zlatanov, then Lasko and Travica and now Kovar... I didn't even know he is italian. Sry btw for spamming Butkos video, somehow we lost the topic.

Pesazi, Kovar is also bench player for Italy. Zlatanov, who many consider world class quit the NT after 2008. I don't know which Fortunato do you mean, Francesco is MB :)

pearl, I think the italian NT is the strongst since the OG in Athen. For sure not a favorite to win a tournament, but at least a contender for the medals. About the substitutions: Outside hitters: there are so many, I don't even know who plays behind Zaytsev and Savani. Parodi, Maruotti, Fortunato, Zlatanov? Maybe not world class, but pretty impressive as bench players. Middle blockers: Luigi, Fei(?), Birarelli, Sala, Buti, Tencati. Not bad either I would say. Setters: Vermiglio didn't convince me in Kazan so far, but he knows how to play for sure. Travica is okay. Opposite: Lasko, Fei(?), Sabbi...(?) That's the weakest position. I like Fei, but he seems to play middle again. Lasko... I just don't like his game, even though he improved the last years and seems to play a good season in Poland so far. Not sure if that means much. Sabbi won't play anyway. Libero... always easy to find one. Maybe I'm totally wrong with my comment and missed players. I didn't pay attention to the development of italian volleyball the last years. But if Italy should struggle, I don't think it is because of their bench players. Is it?

@HCLT: as i already told you once, i think you appreciate my NT better than i do. I've read carefully that part of your comment related to Italy and i agree with you when you say that one of Berruto's strengths is his ability of realizing what’s going on in a match very quickly and providing some changes when necessary. The problem is that we have NO bench!!! Except spikers, our sub players aren't on the same level with our first strings.

I think you meant Kate’s opinion – Zyta explained that our Russian friend has a thing for Butko. Myself, I like Grankin a lot. Like I said, he’s aggressive and helped Russia to reach another level.

Are you serious? Kate, this guy will help your team a lot.

No Zyta, he started in the NT in 1998.

I think someone is upset because his NT wasn’t even mentioned. lol

Nothing is sure for the Olympics except for the already qualified teams and we can't say nothing who will be on top, even though Russia is the best team. There is long time ahead of us

Hard to tell which one connects better with Mikhailov. Both do pretty well. I didn't see Butko in the NT that often to tell if they really work better. I'll have an eye on that. All I know for sure is that Grankin and Mikhailov were finally able to speed the game up. That helped the russians alot, especially in their K2 complex. They became so much better in transition from block/defense to offense. Not as good as Brazil, but they still improve...

Oh Pesazi, you are right about a lot of things there. All what you said about Grankin seemed to be picked straight out of my own brains. Only thing where our opinions differ is where I think Butko is a better setter for Mikhailov. Grankin can do it, but Butko just shines at it. Now they are both great, but it might be more viable to have the setter that fits your best player the best.

Interesting comments right here. I am surprised to read your opinions about Grankin. He may not have the strongest mentality (ok, bad thing for a setter), but his setting is extremly good. At least as long as he keeps his mind. Grankin deserves some respect for the change of the russian NT over the years. Kamuttskikh was a charismatic guy and leader, but his game was to slow to beat the top teams. Just compare the connection between Vadim/Poltavskiy and Grankin/Mikhailov. Seriously, Grankin made the russian NT to one of my favorite teams, after being exactly the opposite. I like Butko alot, but he didn't reach that level in setting yet. That doesn't mean, he couldn't lead Russia to a gold medal in London. I don't see any team able to stop them, as long as they don't mess up like thy did in the ECh. Russia is blessed to have two world class setters, which can offer different things to the team.

Alekno was disappointed with Grankin in Vienna and he didn't hide this, he said that in the interview. Butko played well in World Cup. Now everything depends on how they will play in league [Good that both are not playing in Zenit ;)] and during practise before and during WL.

Zyta, that's just what i was going to say - I probably more go for Butko because he represents my beloved Lokomotiv xD you know, that girly thing that's hard to get rid of xD i must admit, i didn't see much of an "old team" with Vadim in it, as i only started following men's team after 2008, i can't judge whether the game became faster or not. Probably because of that it seems to me that Grankin, however good he is, had been given too much chances and lost too much. That's what i don't understand - why all the coaches believe in him so stubbornly, and if we have 2 good setters, why only one of them plays and the other sits his best years out on the bench? I'll be honest, when i got to know that Grankin got injured and wouldn't take part in World Cup i felt relief, so did most part of volleyball fans in our country. And i'm so afraid that when Grankin's back Alekno will carry on putting him in starting 6 again.... and i agree about Italy - some more time, and they'll start showing their best, they already do, but i agree again, they don't seem capable of taking gold so far oh, thank you very much Henrique, i can totally say the same about you))

During Wagner's Memorial we laughed with my friend you put fake setter on court against Italy and actually you use two opposites.

Don't discuss with her about Butko, Henrique! He plays in her favourite club, she is not objective, haha! ?

But seriously, I think you are a bit too crude for Grankin. First of all his float is pain in the ass. You can call Wijsmans and ask him about CL last year against Dinamo and Grankin's floats. I bet he will swear in every language he does speak ? I agree with Henrique, your game changed with Granking, everything started with this generation Granking/Volkov/Maxim/Yury [pity I can't add here Ostapienko, but I still cross my fingers for this guy!]. I remember our conversations about your team, my team, our mentality etc, so I think you will understand what I mean now. Although Russia started changed with those guys, they still experienced those "lost finals", lots medals. And it looks like it stays somewhere there in their heads. From those four I mentioned Berezhko has for sure the weakest head, then is Grankin. Maxim is strong, but sometimes alone. Volkov has good attitude and good head, but not very much depends on him, when setter looses his nerves.

While Butko joined the team when everything works well. Alekno came back and changed them, preparations went well, atmosphere was good, Grankin's injury let Butko get some experience and confidence during the round group. He joined the team and won gold few weeks later. He was not the one who screwed things against Serbia in Vienna. Of course he lost together with the team, but still he was the one who tried to save the team, not the one who blamed himself after the match. Gold from WL, won against Brazil, gave him a lot of confidence. Of course he has better head than Grankin, not every guy would give such a good substitution in the final, during his debut in NT.
Grankin knows he will have to fight for his place now. And that's good, as both will improve and who knows, maybe Grankin focused on fighting with Butko will get rid of this panic in difficult moments? If not, you have always Butko! ?


About Olympics, I agree with Henrique about Brazil, something is finishng there. USA will be there, but they won't repeat the success. Unless Thornton/Hansen will wake up genus in himself. About Russia... after ECh I'm not saying anything. I was one of those who were saying before whole tournament that Russia will win. I've been there in Vienna and I remember that before both semis my bro texted me "so we gonna play tomorrow for gold with Russia or bronze with Serbia?" and I thought maybe we should not underestimate Serbia so easily. I was right, ha. Anyway is it possible to do it again? We've seen many things in 2011. Serbia is still the one who can win with Russia using character as an advantage, but question is if Russia will make this mistake again?
[BTW did you notice? Ivan started career in NT with gold from Olympics and ECh. Those ECh were his last I think. Finishing career in NT just like you started? With two golds? That would be insane, but awesome too!]
Italy won't win the gold, but medal, why not. Poland... with us everything must go perfect: no injuries, best disposition straight in London, perfect atmosphere, opposite in great shape. I wish. Argentina? Not yet, in 2014 they will be dangerous for everybody, in London no. But if they will qualify to semis I'm stopping with guessing, because they are unpredictable. Cuba must qualify, but they won't be main opponent in road for gold. Same with Bulgaria.
So you have big chances. But like I said, after ECh everything is possible. At the end our expectations will be destroyed by Velasco, who will qualify with Iran, kick our asses, make us crying like a loosers and say "Guess who's back, bitches!" and even Cameroon's regime will be gone! ?

Kate, I believe both Grankin and Butko are excellent setters. Grankin has the merit of speeding up the game for a team who used to play almost in slow motion years ago. He’s aggressive, but not a reckless setter. I don’t think Grankin is that bad in other aspects of the game, though Butko seems more comfortable doing other stuff than Grankin. As a setter, Butko is also creative. Please, watch again the third set against Poland, the third when Russia played USA or the crucial moments against Italy. You will see all the variation he used, even when he set the same player – that’s how a wise setter does when he has to repeat the play without being obvious. Some teams are lucky to have one great setter, Russia has two. Regarding the fight for the top, I recently made a bet with a friend about the results in London 2012. I put Brazil in fourth – once we lose in the semis, we don’t care about bronze, it’s our attitude. I believe Russia will get the gold they’re looking for since 1980. I hope I’m wrong, but the internal issues on the Brazilian team are getting very serious. I know you’ll probably mention Brazil beat Russia 3-0 at the World Cup – they had that as an objective (not to drop even a set to Russia), but I think things are getting worse on our side. Bernardo wanted to leave the team in the beginning of 2010. This one will be his 12th season in a row with the NT. When Doug Beal was with the victorious American team in the 1980s he stayed there for five years. Julio Velasco could stand seven seasons with Italy in the 1990s. I don’t know how Bernardo could handle all these years, but he has been telling people he needs more time for him and his family, and when you see him with his women’s team at Superliga he’s way more happy and relaxed than with the guys in the NT. Recently, during an interview, the reporter asked him what was responsible for all those wrinkles on his face (he’s 52). He remained in silence at first, but then he said “this one is called Giba, this one is called Dante, that one is Sergio...” You saw him and Sergio fighting over nothing during an easy match against Argentina. If Brazil NT was okay we could put up a good fight with Russia. However, the way things are going I see the path open to your NT. We must keep in mind that Italy has improved. With Fei back to the middle now Italy has a strong block all the time, as Mastro also carries the load when he comes to the net. Lasko is finally a good opposite – I was tired of seeing this guy struggling since early 2000s. Zaytsev is more experienced, Savani is good, and Travica, if not brilliant, is good, reliable. They have a guy like Berruto, a smart coach, one of those few guys who can notice what’s going on very quickly and provide some changes in the attack line or in the block switch if necessary. Team Italy is very close to Brazil and Russia. These are the three best teams, followed by Poland, Serbia, Cuba, and USA. Have you thought that MAYBE one of the Norceca teams won’t reach London 2012? The loser at their qualifier will fight in Japan at the world qualifier with two European teams, among others. Perhaps, though I hope not, Cuba or USA won’t qualify. BTW, nice to see you here, Kate. It’s a pleasure discussing with you. :-)

Henrique, of course you like Grankin, he's too scared of Brazil to ever beat them) while Grankin plays as our main setter, we'll not be higher than 2nd place - because Brazil will constantly be the 1st) Grankin is good while his nerves are ok. When he gets exited, a superhero spirit wakes up in him and he becomes more limited than Vadim or whoever else. Besides, he can do nothing except setting. I won't even say in what he's worse - in digging or blocking Butko is just the other way round - he's probably still to learn more in setting (although, he's rather good), but he can block, attack, dig as well, very universal. And I might be wrong, but I thihk this is the key of our recent victories (both can be considered Butko's merits) that the setter is not just a setter, he's universal. So when, for example, Butko does the first touch (as a universal ;)) and Musersky has to do a perfect set, and he manages to do it, he becomes a universal too. That's how it works with russians, and i think this is that very "new thing" that our team needed and got when Butko got his chance to play as a main setter.

Yes master! I understand now.. here is the same! :)

No, no you didn't understand me. In Italy we can choose among many kinds of highschools. If you prefer to study Math, Physics, Scienific Subjects in general, you can attend "Liceo Scientifico"; if you prefer to study Grammar, History, Literature etc. you can choose "Liceo Classico", and so on (we have so many). I decided to attend Liceo Classico and, among the main subjects, I had to study Latin and Grecian. Is it clear now?? :) Will you have to study Greek or Grecian? :)

@pearl: heh it's also very difficult especially softening to the pronunciation of the letters ą,ć,ę and difficult pronunciation rz, ż,or u, ó - This is the same as they are used elsewhere oo Antiquity my favorite topic in history hehe :D

Pff.. It's right the opposite in Bulgaria.. :D When I go study History in University I will have to study greek I think..

I studied Ancient Languages at highschool and Modern Languages at University :D

pearL, you really studied latin? That's my favorite language.. I adore it! I have some kind of cult to the Regina Fortvna, so I know it well..but I studied it by myself.. where did you studied it?

@tysia: well, i'm actually not worried about cases, numbers, tenses and persons ect. 'cause some of these things are in Italian as well, and others are common in Ancient Languages, so i'm pretty used to recognizing them (I studied both Latin and Grecian i.e. Ancient Greek)! My main problem is pronunciation and familiarizing with spelling' rules and words' written forms :)

@pearl: haha that's for sure but only in Polish: Nouns: inflect for: cases, number, password kind. Adjectives: cases, numbers, types, grades are Verbs: person, number, mode, time, aspect Numerals: cases, types of Pronoun: number, cases, has its nature and the person and even the Polish people have difficulty with pronunciation, writing it's very difficult really:) in English language some parts of speech to inflect and I am interesting whether Swahili is hard hehe:D