Satria Muda Pertamina Jakarta coach Youbel Sondakh defended center Artem Pustovyi, who performed poorly against Pelita Jaya Jakarta, in the 2025 Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) match, at the Soemantri Brodjonegoro Student Sports Hall, Jakarta, Thursday (19/6) evening.
According to him, the factor behind the foreign players' less than optimal performance was only due to physical fatigue since joining the team in the 19th week.
"My problem with him is just physical fatigue, honestly Artem has played 60 games this year before joining Satria Muda," Youbel said after his team lost 72-77 against the 2024 IBL champions.
He understands the condition of the Ukrainian player who has spent a lot of time and energy in the Spanish basketball league, before playing in the IBL.
Therefore, with time remaining before the playoffs which start on June 28, the coaching staff will try to help the player to return to the best condition.
"Now our homework is to focus on helping Artem's recovery, so he can be fit again to face the playoffs , so that's the only problem, nothing else," said the Indonesian basketball legend.
