It’s been an exciting start to the VTB League season: new stars, fresh talent and reinvigorated veterans are taking over the game. For long-time fans of the League, it has been especially gratifying to watch the progress made by several players who have been here for years. Konstantin Kucher profiles five of the League’s most improved players, exclusively for VTB-League.com.
Andrei Zubkov (Lokomotiv-Kuban)
Zubkov’s Stats
2016-17: 25.6 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.3 bpg, 13.7 efficiency rating
2015-16: 16.4 mpg, 6.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.0 bpg, 7.6 efficiency rating
***
Andrei Zubkov had been a role player in Krasnodar for several years, remaining in the shadow of the team’s higher-paid foreign stars. Many expected the same to be true once again this season after Kenny Gabriel signed with the Railwaymen during the summer.
But Gabriel turned out to be too soft for Loko, whereas Zubkov’s aggressive, competitive approach made him a great fit. He had no trouble beating out Gabriel for playing time, with the American forward ultimately leaving the club.
Kuban hardly noticed his departure. Zubkov has been a very important piece in the rotation, improving his rebounding, knocking down almost twice as many 3-pointers, giving out more assists and even blocking some shots. Rebounding, though, is where he’s shown the most progress. Zubkov is currently top 10 in the League and could climb even higher.
Zubkov is one of the League’s biggest stars and the leader of his team. He’s both effective and fun to watch, with December proving to be one of the best months of his career.
Dmitry Kulagin (CSKA)
Kulagin’s Stats
2016-17: 19.8 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.1 bpg, 9.8 efficiency rating
2015-16: 10.8 mpg, 3.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.0 bpg, 2.9 efficiency rating
***
Last season, Dmitry needed time to adapt to CSKA’s system. But beginning in September with the national team, we began to see noticeable progress. Kulagin didn’t stop there, putting together a fine start to the club season.
Yes, Kulagin has had extra opportunities because of CSKA’s injury woes and busy schedule. But that doesn’t account for his progress as a player. Kulagin is scoring more now than he did during his years at Triumph and Zenit. Best of all, his increased scoring is due to more efficient shooting, not more attempts. He’s never had a better field-goal percentage and he might not be done yet.
Vitaly Liutych (Kalev)
Liutych’s Stats
2016-17 (Kalev): 25.7 mpg, 13.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.1 bpg, 11.1 efficiency rating
2015-16 (Tsmoki-Minsk): 10.5 mpg, 3.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.1 spg, 0.0 bpg, 2.2 efficiency rating
***
Vitaly is the only guy on this list who switched teams over the summer. In three years at Tsmoki-Minsk, the forward never earned a regular spot in the rotation and eventually lost the trust of the coaching staff. Signing with Kalev was a logical next step for the talented Belarusian. Going by statistics alone, Liutych has shown eye-popping progress, increasing his efficiency rating from 2.2 to 11.1.
It’s tough to pinpoint the reasons for Liutych’s improvement. A change in circumstances, his status as a foreigner, more playing time and a system better suited to his game have each made a difference. Though not a great shooter, he compensates by being in terrific shape, driving the ball and helping out on the fast break (he had a tougher time using his speed on Tsmoki-Minsk’s veteran-laden teams).
Ivan Strebkov (Nizhny Novgorod)
Strebkov’s Stats
2016-17: 27.1 mpg, 15.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.0 bpg, 14.3 efficiency rating
2015-16: 20.9 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.1 bpg, 7.2 efficiency rating
***
Last season, the guard was stuck behind Dmitry Khvostov in the rotation. But since his departure from Nizhny Novgorod, Strebkov was the one who took over as a leader. Even in the summer, no one expected such a big season with foreign additions like Boynton, Kane and Vene expected to get most of the touches on offense. But Strebkov didn’t just keep his spot in the rotation: He’s been one of the League’s best players through three months.
Nizhny Novgorod hasn’t won many games yet, but we’ve seen the team grow under Arturs Stalbergs. Strebkov’s confidence and production has been a big reason for the team’s improved play. He’s in the top 10 in points and assists and while he struggles with consistency, he’s played at a very high level in most games.
Tony Taylor (Enisey)
Taylor’s Stats
2016-17: 27.5 mpg, 14.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.1 bpg, 14.4 efficiency rating
2015-16: 26.4 mpg, 9.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.0 bpg, 10.7 efficiency rating
***
Going back to last season, expectations have been high for Taylor. The guard works hard and doesn’t hog the ball, but was overshadowed last season by more prolific teammates, Delroy James and David Kennedy.
The Siberians even had a replacement lined up for Taylor during the summer. But then fate intervened. Dominic Waters didn’t pass his medical exam and Enisey’s coaching staff decided to give the point guard a second chance.
Taylor came back transformed. In place of last season’s role player, Enisey got a confident warrior and a leader on the court. Taylor continues to do the dirty work and do everything the coaches ask of him, while not being afraid to take over in big moments.
It’s especially noticeable in crunch time. The American has already hit game-winners against Lokomotiv-Kuban and Parma and sparked the decisive run in a win over Kalev.
