The fans and experts were concerned about VTB League clubs’ transfer activity decrease due to pandemic and challenging economic environment. These concerns proved true partially. Many teams chose quality instead of mass signings.
The season is getting closer! Let’s meet the brightest League newcomers who came in 2020 offseason. These guys will rock the highlights of the coming season.
Tornike Shengelia
From Baskonia to CSKA
Achievements: champion of Spain (2020), All-Euroleague team (2018), the most spectacular player of Spanish league (2019)
2019/20 season: 15,9 PPG, 5,6 rebounds, 2,9 assists in Euroleague
Shengelia is a superstar of European basketball and he is in prime. The Georgian who has just won historic title for Baskonia is no.1 signing of this summer.
The best number four of Europe has a meaningful nickname, Tokomotiv. Shengelia has an endless stock of energy and performs at the highest level in almost every aspect: defense, rebounds, assists and the signature skill – unstoppable drive. It’s safe to say that Moscow has a new superteam as Mike James, Will Clyburn, Shengelia and Nikola Milutinov look very dangerous, at least on paper. All CSKA games will gather extra attention, away matches will be special, losses will be sensational. Extra pressure and hype are guaranteed. This is what’s expected from the coming season.
Jordan Crawford
From Bamberg to Lokomotiv-Kuban
Achievements: 2010 NBA draft no. 27, 12,2 points in 281 NBA game
2019/20 season: 16,0 PPG, 2,3 rebounds and 2,5 assists in Bundesleague
12.2 PPG, 2.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Crawford’s average NBA stat for six seasons are solid. However, these numbers shouldn’t be overestimated as Loko’s newcomer played in mediocre teams with low profile goals, so he could focuse on personal stats. Crawford – who turned 32 right after he moved to Krasnodar – assured that he has no rush for the numbers anymore, and team’s success is his top priotiry.
Evgeny Pashutin plans to use him in three positions and sees him as new Loko leader. Loko’s performans depends on how this individualist can fit into team interests.
Nikola Milutinov
From Olympiakos to CSKA
Achievements: champion of Greece (2016), All-Greek league team (2018, 2019), champion of Adriatic league (2013)
2019/20 season: 10,3 PPG, 8,2 rebounds, 1,2 assists in Euroleague
If there were a list of Top CSKA signings who didn’t live up to the expectations, Joel Freeland and Kosta Koufos would take high places. After Nenad Krstic and Sasha Kaun left the club, CSKA has been trying to restore paint domination. Milutinov’s signing came with high hopes, just like Freeland and Koufos. However, now we can see that the case is closed for about three years.
Nikola is one of the best no. 5 in Europe who is in prime, and CSKA needs him. Athleticism, rebounds, defense, assists, creating value helping star partners is all about Nikola. When Dimitris Itoudis decides to give a rest for fast stars led by James and Shengelia, he will be able to move the game into the 3-second zone and give order to play with Milutinov. 25-year-old Serbian giant is the master of playing with his back to the rim.
Isaiah Canaan
From Stockton Kings to UNICS
Achievements: MVP of Ohio Valley in NCAA (2012, 2013)
2019/20 season: 21,4 PPG, 3,8 rebounds, 6,1 assists in NBA’s G League
UNICS is one of the teams that undergoes serious reconstruction. Isaiah Canaan will be Kazan’s new star after 7 seasons in NBA system. From time to time, this combo guard had his star nights in the Association (11.0 PPG, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 77 games of 2015/16 season with Phoenix), but he didn’t manage to stay in one club and reserve his spot. In Europe, Isaiah’ defensive dropbacks shall be covered by Dimitris Priftis’ system and teammates while his offensive talents shall come up.
Canaan is a killer shoter who can create a spot to shot and fires immediately. UNICS’ new trump card is Isaiah’s three-pointers in fast breaks. Coach Priftis is famous for focus on shooting small players. Canaan will replace Errick McCollum and get freedom to be the prophet of European attacking movement.
Kevin Pangos
From Barcelona to Zenit
Achievements: champion of Lithuania (2017, 2018), All-Euroleague second team (2018), All-Eurocup second team (2016)
2019/20 season: missed due to injury
Zenit didn’t play 2019/20 season the way the wanted, so the changes have come. The club signed new coach and changes the first number as Andrew Albicy, Anton Ponkrashov and Alex Renfroe left the team. Even prior to that, Petersburg general director Alexander Tserkovny had declared that club’s top priority is to strengthen the point guard position. This hero came for Barcelona to complete this task.
The injury didn’t let Pangos become the leader of the Spanish giant. But Zalgiris – his previous team that looks like ambitious Zenit – made a sensation in 2018 getting to Euroleague Final Four. Kevin is a classic point guard, organizer, and Xavi Pascual sees him as a key player for the new team’s system. The Canadian’s readiness to get back to his previous form will define Zenit’s season. The player who is a fan of Steve Nash and the club have something to prove.
Greg Monroe
From Bayern to Khimki
Achievements: 2010 NBA draft no. 7, All-NBA rookie second team (2011), 13,2 points in 632 NBA games
2019/20 season: 12,9 PPG, 6,8 rebounds, 2,5 assists in Euroleague
Classic center Monroe was unlucky to be born in the era of Stephen Curry. Greg would have become NBA star before revolutional changes in basketball that moved the game to universalism, speed and shot-oriented players. While Monroe may be not the best fit for the American basketball, conservative and talent-longing Europe needs a star like him.
The Amercian showed how he can destroy the opponents under the rim and get the rebounds in Bayern. Khimki’s recent signings (Monroe and ex-NBA Jordan Mickey) are a response to CSKA’s frontcourt transfers. The rivalry gets to another level.
