By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lokomotiv Kuban’s Vitaly Fridzon and CSKA Moscow’s Joel Bolomboy were added to the Russian All Stars, while Dusan Ristic of Astana and Kyle Vinales of Kalev/Cramo joined the World Stars, VTB United League announced. Wild cards were granted for the four players.
“When deciding on the wild cards. the League was guided by fans and media voting results, and player’s individual achievements were taken into account as well,” mentioned League general director, Ilona Korstin, “Vitaly Fridzon is one of the most experienced and honored players of the League. He missed part of the season over an injury, but now he’s in great shape and will help Russia Stars a lot. Joel Bolomboy is crucial to new CSKA roster and will fit the All Star Game format. His plays are highlights and I’m sure we’ll see his dunks at VTB Arena. Astana’s Dusna Ristic is the most efficient player of this season, and one of the leader in points in rebounds. He deserved a wild card to join the World Stars. The same applies to Kyle Vinales who leads Kalev this season. I’m sure these guys will fit perfectly and give some highlight basketball.”
The 2020 All Star Game will be held on February 16th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. Plenty of starpower in rosters promises exciting action.
Russia Stars: Alexey Shved (Khimki), Dmitriy Kulagin (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Maxim Grigoryev (PARMA), Denis Zakharov (Enisey), Dmitry Khvostov (Zenit), Vitaly Fridzon (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Anton Astapkovich (Nizhny Novgorod), Nikita Kurbanov, Andrey Vorontsevich (both CSKA), Vladislav Trushkin (Zenit), Artem Zabelin (PARMA), Joel Bolomboy (CSKA).
World Stars: Mike James (CSKA), Errick McCollum, Jamar Smith (both UNICS), Adas Juskevicius (PARMA), Davion Berry (Enisey), Kyle Vinales (Kalev), Mindaugas Kuzminskas (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Janis Timma, Jonas Jerebko (both Khimki), Drew Gordon (Zielona Gora), Gustavo Ayon (Zenit), Dusan Ristic (Astana).
Photo Credit: VTB United League