In a tweeted video message from Moscow, Mikhail Prokhorov announced Friday that he will join the Nets at their training camp next week in Durham, N.C., the home of Duke University and the Michael W. Krzyzewski Center.
Referring to the five days at Duke as a "field trip," the Nets principal (and soon only) owner said "I thought I'll join you there, to say a personal hello and find out how we get ready to start the season." So, he adds, he is "packing his bags and looking forward" to seeing the team. He was wearing a Brooklyn Basketball sweatshirt and a cap that read, "National Champions," in English.
The message did not say when or for how long Prokhorov will be at Duke. The Nets leave for North Carolina after Media Day on Monday. The visit comes just as he and Bruce Ratner are in talks to consolidate ownership of both the team and arena in his hands. It might also be interpreted as further evidence that, counter to speculation, he will hang on to the club.
In 2010, after Prokhorov bought the team, the Nets flew to Moscow (on their way to China) and Prokhorov met with the players during one of their practice sessions. This is the only time he's traveled to the U.S. for camp.
- Mikhail Prokhorov goes to camp - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
- Nets and Mikhail Prokhorov are going on a ‘field trip’ together - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
- Video: Nets owner Prokhorov heading to training camp at Duke - George Henn - New York Daily News