CSKA forward Anton Astapkovich and Lokomotiv Kuban center Andrey Martiuk were named VTB United League co-MVPs of December.
Title’s Information partner is TASS.
CSKA finished the third month of the regular season with 5 wins over Astana, Enisey, Zenit, Avtodor, MINSK and 1 loss. The Moscow team is at first place in the standings with a 17 wins and 2 losses.
Astapkovic averaged 13.7 points on 63% shooting from the game in December. The Russian forward also had 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 20 eff. points per game.
Lokomotiv Kuban got 5 wins (over UNICS, MBA, Enisey, Uralmash and Zenit) and 1 loss in the third month of the regular season and is fourth in the standings with a 13 wins and 6 losses.
Martiuk averaged 15.3 points on 75.5% shooting from the game in December. The Krasnodar team center also had 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 20.2 eff. points per game.
The MVP title goes to 2 players in the first time in the United League history.
Ilona Korstin, United League General Director:
– For the first time in the League’s history, we have 2 MVPs of the month! Andrey Martiuk and Anton Astapkovic had a great December, were the leaders of their teams and rightfully deserved this award.
CSKA leads the standings and had 5 wins in December, including over their principal rival Zenit. In that game, Astapkovic had a great game (20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists) and helped the team to win in overtime. Loko also had 5 wins in December – including over UNICS and Zenit.
Martiuk play against the Kazan team front court was a real revelation, and Loko made their biggest comeback of the season over the reigning champion. And in the game against Zenit Martiuk had the best game of his career, showing all his talent (32 points, 6 rebounds, 40 eff. points).
It’s nice to see that both Russian players are the leaders of their teams and show their abilities in games against the League Top 4 teams.
I would like to thank the League for the recognition, it’s a pleasure to get an individual award, – Anton Astapkovic pointed out – It was hard to single out anyone from our team this month, we don’t have any clear statistical leaders. That’s why I think this is more of an award for CSKA in general, which recognises the success of the team leading the regular season. I’d also like to congratulate Andrey Martiuk – his team had a great December.
Thanks to the VTB United League for such a high praise – a great gift for the New Year! – Andrey Martiuk said – So I did everything right, and it gives me motivation to work even harder. I worked hard in practice and in games, but I would like to share this award with my teammates and coaches. It was possible with their trust, participation and support. In general, Loko had a great December – there were bright and very important wins over our rivals. We set a high pace and we intend to keep it in the new year. Happy New Year everyone!
