An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Transit Center basketball team loses, but wins friends

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  The Transit Center at Manas basketball team lost to the Academy of Physical Culture and Sports 72-55 here Jan. 19.

This was their second game against the APCS, and their second loss.

"This team is a lot more experienced, they're a professional team, they practice twice a day, six or seven days a week, and it shows," said Airman 1st Class Tramell Chislom, 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and basketball team captain. "Their execution is perfect, they play smart, and no matter how much you try to rush them, they stay within their game."

The American team showed improvement over the last game with the APCS.

"It's very strong and fast play, it's very nice," said APCS student Vladimir Trunov. "I am very glad to play [an] American team."

"We never quit fighting," Airman Chislom said. "We're lucky to get one practice in within 2 weeks, we knew that coming in but we didn't lay down; we came in fighting hard."

The Tennessee Air National Guard Airman played college basketball for three years and said he enjoys bringing sports to a deployed location.

"This is a great way for people to see us outside the uniform, and see we're more than just [military members], we're people, too," he said. "And it's a great way to communicate through sports."

It's about relationship building, he said.

"It's a friendly competition, and it's a great way to bond with people in other countries. Even though we don't speak the same language, we get out on the court and it's like we are speaking the same language and it's like talking to each other," Airman Chislom said.

"Yes, American players are very strong and faster than Kyrgyz players - very good," Trunov said. "Shots and fast breaks are very good too. I like to speak English but I haven't spoken with any American guys before."

The Kyrgyz team was great, and really friendly, said the Airmen.

"The game was tough and competitive but they played friendly," Airman Chislom said. "If we fouled them or they fouled us, they always helped us up and we helped them up. This is the second time we've played them, and they've been great both times."

Hopefully, the Transit Center team will be a lot more prepared for the next game, which both teams are eager to plan.

"Yes, if invited I'd be very glad to play them again," Trunov said.