The first-ever VTB United League All-Star Game will be held in Sochi’s Bolshoi sports arena in February and Dmitry Gerchikov breaks down his picks for the Russian and World Stars. You can do the same by voting online!
***
Let me start with a disclaimer: I never had any interest in going position-by-position or trying to create balanced rosters. After all, the All-Star Game is a party, and entertainment is the primary goal. You can do that with a small lineup that has no centers or power forwards or by going big at every position. There’s no limit to the combinations and I expect the game to feature some very interesting lineups. That’s why I’m going to have fun with my roster, instead of agonizing over strategic considerations.
That’s my only guiding principle. Otherwise, I’m following the same rules as everyone else, selecting foreign and Russian players from each of the League’s 13 teams: one each from the Russian clubs and one World Star from the foreign outfits. Let’s go!
Russian Stars: Sergey Bykov
He’s got balls of steel and plays team-first basketball everywhere he goes. Plus, he hardly has an ego and is happy to throw alley-oops to his bigger teammates from the point guard position. Last but not least, Bykov is good at driving to the basket, wowing the crowd with his slalom-like technique.
World Stars: Nick Minnerath
He’s been a sensation in Saratov. Minnerath can do everything. I’d take him simply out of gratitude for how he saved Avtodor from even greater embarrassment in the beginning of the season. Minnerath can step out to the perimeter and hit shots, bulldoze opponents around the rim, and sky high for rebounds… You understand, without Minnerath, Saratov would have much less to cheer about in Sochi.
World Stars: Rob Lowery
Between a shooting guard set on attacking the basket and a versatile guard who can also pass, I’ll choose the latter. Ian Miller–Astana’s other leader–thrives on speed and one-on-one situations. Rob Lowery, though, has a finer appreciation for the game. That’s why he’s able to make an impact as a starter and coming off the bench. Lowery can stretch defenses by passing the ball or drawing fouls, even if he’s not as quick as his defender. Plus, let’s be honest, he brings a level of energy and excitement that’s hard to match.
World Stars: Janis Blums
The Latvian veteran is very good at engineering comebacks. If the World Stars go down 10-15 points early, Blums could get his teammates back on track with a series of 3-pointers. Blums has a healthy competitive streak, something you can’t help but notice when he’s on the court. His attitude and never-quit approach make him a fun watch, even for someone who doesn’t know the game that well.
Russian Stars: Alexey Vzdykhalkin
One of Enisey’s most reliable Russians stands out for his willingness to play any role: attacking from the perimeter as a starter, providing depth off the bench, and fighting through screens to hound opposing scorers. Maybe the All-Star Game format isn’t exactly his cup of tea. But, rest assured, Vzdykhalkin will find a way to contribute and do his part, even during an exhibition.
World Stars: Frank Elegar
There are plenty of guards on our list, leaving us with a deficit of big men. That’s why Elegar feels like the best fit from Enisey. Given he already excels at overpowering opponents on the offensive glass, imagine what he’ll be able to do in a less competitive environment. Plus, Elegar loves to put on a show for the fans, which makes him an even more appealing candidate.
Zenit (St. Petersburg, Russia)
Russian Stars: Sergey Karasev
A leader on the Russian national team, Karasev can be explosive on offense, when given the chance. As a result, the Russian swingman sees a lot of double-teams and aggressive defense. But in Sochi, for obvious reasons, Karasev should get to do what he wants. You can get a taste of what to expect by checking out Karasev’s highlight reels, both from the VTB League and the NBA. You’d be crazy not to want to see that live.
World Stars: Janis Timma
The Latvian forward will have the perfect chance to spread the wings he’s tattooed on his back in Sochi. Timma has attracted attention from NBA scouts for years with his ability to create on offense. He’s also a deadly sniper, which is always useful during an exciting finish.
World Stars: Demonte Harper
The Estonian team’s most competitive warrior does a delicate dance between the ‘2’ and ‘3’ position, which will give the World Stars a dynamic edge on the wing. A big Damian Lillard fan, Harper has some things in common with the Blazers star. Like Lillard, he can create something out of nothing, a terrific attribute to have at an All-Star Game. Harper is also very familiar with the NBA and knows a thing or two about entertaining the fans.
Lokomotiv-Kuban (Krasnodar, Russia)
Russian Stars: Dmitry Khvostov
The Russian Stars already have plenty of players that like to be in control, which is why the team needs someone that can keep everyone happy. Kuban’s playmaker fits the job perfectly. Khvostov doesn’t draw a lot of attention, but he’s very effective in making teammates better. He can connect with slashers and dominant big men, make quick decisions on the fast break and find original solutions in difficult situations. Plus, people trust Dmitry, which is a guarantee the team won’t get out of whack.
World Stars: Ryan Broekhoff
Krasnodar doesn’t have a lot of A-list stars right now, but Broekhoff continues to shine. He’s fiercely competitive and makes defenders pay for the tiniest mistakes. Broekhoff can shoot from range (especially in the corners) and drive the baseline. He’s never selfish with the ball, but if his number gets called, the other team better watch out. Broekhoff should do a good job of complementing his teammates and helping the World Stars play even more efficiently.
Russian Stars: Ivan Strebkov
The CSKA product is trying to spread his wings in Nizhny and fight through the growing pains of becoming an established player. He’s done well so far, which is why he deserves entry to the League’s biggest party. On the one hand, this is a chance to learn from others; on the other, he’ll have a chance to prove himself. The guard is one of the brightest young talents in Russia and he needs to test himself every chance he gets. The court in Sochi is a great platform for Strebkov to break out.
World Stars: DeAndre Kane
Known for his triple-doubles, Kanehas been electric this season as well. He’s a natural leader and helps balance whenever the team struggles in a certain area. Kane likes the hard-working handyman approach. It doesn’t matter to him whether he’s scoring points, rebounding, or distributing, as long as he’s contributing and getting his teammates energized.
Russian Stars: Maxim Dybovsky
It’s tough to find a candidate for the All-Star Game on the League’s worst team, especially since the fans won’t have trouble finding someone to replace a less famous candidate. But Dybovsky’s stats and play on the court have earned him a spot on the preliminary roster. Parma may be 0-9, but it’s not his fault. Even against the League’s top teams, Dybovsky makes smart decisions and works hard on defense. An invitation to Sochi for Dybovsky would be an excellent motivator for other players of his stature.
World Stars: Danilo Andjusic
This was the easiest choice, by far. The Serb, after all, is the only foreign player on Parma’s roster. But he’s also played well this season, leading the team in minutes and scoring.
Russian Stars: Vadim Panin
You won’t find a better Russian player in Kazan than Panin. He’s a hard worker and sets the stage for his more famous teammates. When given the opportunity, he can also light up the perimeter. If Anton Ponkrashov were healthy, he would probably be the front-runner, but for now, Panin is the clear favorite.
World Stars: Keith Langford
The UNICS star doesn’t need to do anything out of the ordinary in Sochi. As long as he keeps playing like he has all year, he’s sure to be one of the biggest stars in the All-Star Game. He might be Europe’s best scorer, lighting up scoreboards across Russia and the continent. Now fans will get a chance to see him go against the League’s top talent for 40 minutes.
Khimki (Moscow Region, Russia)
Russian Stars: Alexey Shved
Expectations will be high for the League’s highest-paid Russian player and Shved will do everything he can to live up to them. He’s athletic, quick, and boasts a big arsenal on offense. Shved’s experience making plays in Madison Square Garden only adds to his resume. Even the guard’s ego, which sometimes draws criticism, will be a good thing in Sochi, where big personalities will be in demand.
World Stars: Jeremy Evans
Expectations are sky-high for Evans at the All-Star Game. The 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner has to be on the court in Sochi. I should point out that Evans put a lot of thought into his dunks at the NBA All-Star Weekend. In Sochi, he’s probably going to get help from both his teammates and the opponents… After all, who doesn’t want to see what he can do?
World Stars: Dru Joyce
The all-time assists leader in the Bundesliga is irreplaceable on Tsmoki’s roster. The team’s offense runs on Joyce, whether he’s setting up teammates or knocking down 3-pointers. One of LeBron’s best friends from high school, Joyce should help keep the World Stars humming.
Russian Stars: Andrei Vorontsevich
Vorontsevich has learned to play every possible role in the frontcourt, which will make the Russian Stars more mobile and result in effective fast breaks, dunks, alley-oops, and everything else we love about high-octane offense. Vorontsevich, by the way, loves playing to the crowd. It will be especially fun to watch him play in a game where he doesn’t have to expend so much energy on defense.
World Stars: Milos Teodosic
Any of CSKA’s foreign players would fit in nicely, but there’s no way we can leave Teo out. He’s an incredible genius on offense, finding openings that no one else can even see. Teodosic’s nonchalant approach only heightens the spectacle and magnifies his brilliance. The Serb also has a magnetic smile, something the fans will surely enjoy.
