'They're scared for their lives': Grand Canyon's Dima Zdor worries about family in Ukraine

After basketball practice ended Friday inside Grand Canyon University Arena, 6-foot-10 center Dima Zdor found a spot in the stands and sat alone, his head down.

He needed some time to gather his thoughts before conducting interviews as he worries about his family in Ukraine. He's got his parents and a sister, two grandmothers, along with aunts and uncles in the country, now under siege by Russia.  

Some are in the Crimea region that was occupied by Russia in 2014. Others are in a dangerous place, where bombs are going off and and civilians are being asked to defend themselves during the current invasion.

"They don't have power there in some areas, so they can't charge their phone," Zdor said. "It's hard to communicate right now.

"Obviously, with all the bombing going on, it's so hard."

Zdor said he last spoke to his family Thursday, after he got back from Chicago, where the Antelopes beat Chicago State. 

"They're OK," he said. "They're hanging on. There was a lot of uncertainty about what is going on. They're scared for their lives at this point."

Zdor moved to the United States seven years ago after he had a five-inch growth spurt from 6-5 to 6-10.

Every summer since high school days, he has returned home to Ukraine.

His family has always given him its blessing to chase his basketball dreams. He wants to play pro and has been a key contributor off the bench this season for the Antelopes, who have three homes games remaining, starting Saturday against Sam Houston State.

Sophomore guard Jayden Stone, one of Zdor's closest teammates, doesn't know how he is able to keep it together right now with all that's going on in Ukraine.

"He's a man of faith," Stone said. "His faith is important to him. I just try to encourage him the best way I can. I always ask how his family is doing. Just know that we're supportive through prayer.

"But he's a tough guy. I couldn't do it. I'd be willing to rush back home if that was me."

Zdor's family tells him to stay here where it's safe.

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GCU coach Bryce Drew said Zdor is surrounded by support with coaches and team members, but he can see how the recent events have been weighing on him. Nobody on the team can really relate to what Zdor is going through.

"Now they're telling people over there to go fight if you're between 18 and 60," Drew said. "Dima's dad is in there. What are you going to do? 

"That's so much bigger than basketball. Just that he's even coming to practice is a positive. If we were in his shoes, and to be that far away from the family, and you're trying to get the news, how do you go to bed at night? That's day (there) when it's night here. That's when stuff is really going on. How do you sleep?"  

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.