Many important players in the Ukrainian teams also experienced the effects of Russia’s violent attack on Ukraine in the field of sports. One of them was Mike Caffey, star of BC Kyiv Basket. Choosing to stay while his teammates left, Caffey’s courage was greatly appreciated by the fans. But with the start of Russia’s violent attack on Ukraine, Caffey had to leave the country. Here, the American star told FANATİK about his experiences during that period.
He was the only American left on the team.
On February 13, it was stated that five American players of Kyiv Basket had left the team for safety reasons. As a matter of fact, at that time, the United States of America also made a call for its citizens to leave Ukraine. But Mike Caffey, who played in Ukraine the previous year, decided not to leave the team.
His courage was greatly appreciated by Kyiv Basket as a result of his staying with the team while his friends were gone. Sports press and fans in Ukraine used expressions full of praise for him. Kyiv Basket announced that Caffey is staying with the team, with an image depicting him in a hetman outfit. There was also the note ‘I see, son, you are not from Moscow’ on the image. This image was shared with the text, “Mike Caffey is the only American player of Kyiv Basket who has not left Ukraine at the moment. We cannot ignore it. Such a hetman should be an example to all.”
Despite his decision to stay in the country, Caffey had to react to the developing process. Mike Caffey had to leave the capital after Russia’s operation across Ukraine, including Kyiv, on February 24. Caffey described his experiences on the day of the attack as follows:
‘We were able to cross the 4-hour road in 15 hours’
“I was in Kiev on February 24. At about 4-5 am Ukrainian time, the bombardment started. I hadn’t heard at that moment that others told me. I had to hurry and collect my things as soon as possible. Another Super League team from Kiev, Budivelnyk “We set off with two American players, a Ukrainian general manager and a Latvian assistant coach. After a 15-hour drive, we arrived in Vinnytsia at night. It normally takes 4 hours, but with traffic, it took 15 hours.”
‘It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced’
Caffey, who first went to Vinnytsia by land after the attack started, made a journey by train to reach the border. The California-born actress conveyed her journey and difficult experience to reach the border with the following words:
“My journey to the border was probably the most mind-blowing thing I’ve ever experienced. I fought to get on the train with a 60-pound suitcase and traveled for 24 hours without eating or showering. I will probably tell my family and my children in the future”
A photo taken by Mike Caffey himself on the train ride
Popular with fans
Mike Caffey, who decided to stay in the team despite the departure of his American friends, became the darling of the fans with this move. The 29-year-old player, who spent the previous season in Ukraine, decided that it would be right to stay in the team with his experience here. Stating that he is grateful to the fans, the American actor said, “Last year, we played in Zaporizhzhia, which is closer to Russia.
I played. There were rumors back then that something was going to happen. Nothing had happened. I assumed it would still evolve in the same way. But yes, I got a lot of praise from the fans after this behavior. I was grateful to all of them, but still worried about what had happened. That’s why I was always trying to follow the news,” he said.
*Zaporizhzhia, the region in the southeast of the country where Enerhodar is located, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest power plant in Europe, which frightens with the conflicts in the working area as part of the Russian attacks on Ukraine, is located.
‘I have a great love for the people there’
After being the league’s MVP with BC Zaporizhya the previous season, Caffey continued his career with Kyiv Basket; Referring to his ongoing communication with his Ukrainian friends, he said, “I keep in touch with all my teammates this year and last year. All safe now. And of course they feel like everyone else. They wish the war to end as soon as possible. Ukraine has shown me a lot of love throughout my basketball career there. I’ve met many people with whom my friendship will continue. “I have a great love for the people there,” he said.
The American actor, who was working in his country at the time of the interview and then transferred to the German team Crailsheim Merlins, conveyed his next process plans for his career as follows:
“I will now continue my career elsewhere. I haven’t made a clear decision on where to go or whether to wait until next season. But I will definitely play somewhere this year. I’m trying to stay fit at home for the time being, for a possible offer.”
The transfer made by Caffey was also shared by Kyiv Basket with the note “Thank you for your dedication and professionalism to our club”.
