Artem Tsekhotskyi is more than willing to try something new.
The 17-year-old showed that last year when he packed up and moved from Ukraine to Red Deer, leaving most of his family in the war-torn country.
“They were bombing the nuclear plant in our area, which was very dangerous, so my mother and I moved here to live with my uncle,” Artem explained. “My mom since moved back because her mother was sick.”
His father and brother had to remain at home.
“They couldn’t come over because any male over 18 or under 60 can’t leave the country.”
His dad wanted to volunteer but wasn’t accepted because of health concerns while his brother is in the military but hasn’t seen any action.
“It’s a worry for sure, so we talk almost every day,” Artem said. “It was very dangerous in our area when I left but it’s not as bad now.”
Artem has found a new family in Red Deer, joining the LTCHS Senior Raiders basketball team this season.
Basketball is something new for Artem who played handball since he was four.
“My dad coached and we all played, my brother, dad and mom and myself.
He didn’t know anything about basketball until early this year when he started playing pick-up ball with some friends at the Collicutt Centre.
But there’s little doubt the game comes naturally for Artem, although his handball experience does play a role in his development.
“It helps for sure. I have the ability to find open areas and see a guy who has no defender on him,” he said.
What he does have is the size at six-foot-five, 220 pounds. That allows him to play inside and he also has a scoring touch not seen in a lot of players with far more experience.
“Some of that comes with his handball experience, but he’s a natural around the rim and has soft hands,” said Raiders head coach Joel Carroll, who likes Artem’s ability to play off the ball.
“He can use his body which I think comes from his handball background and has an awareness where is man is and his defensive ability and moves well in space. He has a high sport IQ. I can teach him some basketball skills but his sport IQ can apply to the game.”
Carroll first saw Artem during an intramural game.
“I was guarding him and that’s all the recruiting I needed to see as the next day I was pretty sore.”
Artem likes the fact basketball is even more physical game than handball.
“In handball, if you play physically you get called for penalties. Last time we played Hunting Hills, I was scoring and one of their players said to go back to my country. That didn’t bother me as he was trying to bug me, but the next time I was able to box him out and heard a crack and had to smile.”
Artem has only played five competitive games so far, but he watches video of each game. My footwork is something I need to work on and I notice where I could easily have used a drop step so that’s something to improve on.”
Artem will play with the LTCHS Team Handball squad, where he will be like a second coach.
“Handball is like a new sport here so I’m able to help coach a bit. It’s fun to help and because of my experience at times it’s hard not to be cocky a bit.
“I have to work on that,” he said with a laugh.
Artem speaks very good English, something he took in school at home.
He also finds the academics different than at home as well.
“In the Ukraine, I had to take 17 courses set up by the government and went to school six days a week with only Sunday off,” he explained. “I took seven classes a semester but they were only 35 minutes long while here they’re an hour and 30 minutes. So a big change.”
Artem hopes to take Business Management at RDP next year if he gets in as a student under urgent circumstances.
“I can’t afford to pay international fees,” he said. “But my uncle and I went to RDP and talked with them about student permits and visas and what I may be able to get.”
He expects to not only go to college but will need to work as well.
He also wouldn’t mind trying out for the Kings basketball squad.
“I like the game a lot and my uncle said it would help to get a scholarship, so we’ll see.”
Carroll, who played and coached with the Kings, would like to see Artem give it a shot.
“He’s a really good athlete and I would be excited to see him continue to develop. If he puts his head down and continues to develop there’s a possibility.”
Artem will be staying in Red Deer in the foreseeable future.
“I miss everyone at home as my whole family is there, but if I return home after February when I turn 18 I can’t leave again. Hopefully, the war gets over soon.”
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca