By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
A new Russian powerhouse is emerging in European basketball. Lokomotiv Kuban won its first title ever this season in Eurocup and also got the ticket to next season’s Euroleague. The team has also already qualified to the VTB league finals, awaits the winner of the semifinal series between CSKA Moscow and Khimki and has the chance to finish the season with one more trophy.
There are even more good news for the fans of Lokomotiv. The club is owned by the Russian railway company which is more than excited with the progress of the team and there is already a new three seasons project in place that can lead Lokomotiv to Euroleague’s elite.
Next season’s net budget will be around 30 million US dollars, despite the fact that the team has already a quality 16 players roster. Lokomotiv’s front office, however, will try to get at least three more top players, on the level of Eurocup’s MVP Nick Calathes, with the goal being the participation in Euroleague’s Final Four. Many other top European teams want this summer to reduce or at least restrain their budgets and the situation seems favorable for Lokomotiv in the market. There are already contacts with top agents and the first announcements are expected after the middle of June.