The Final Eight of the VTB United Youth League took place in Saint Petersburg last weekend where the top 8 clubs in Russia fought for the tittle. CSKA Moscow managed to win the tournament in the end with three big wins – in quarter finals 92-57 vs Parma Perm, in semifinals 85-63 vs Khimki Moscow and a 89-65 win in the finals vs Lokomotiv Kuban.
Let’s see who were the players who stood out in the competition.
Vladislav Odinokov (F | 203 cm | ‘00) ~ Khimki Moscow
In my opinion the best shooter in the tournament. Odinokov averaged 17.7 points per game in the three matches in the Top8 with shooting 7/16 (43.8 %) for three while in the regular season he was shooting 35/68 (51.5 %) for three. Has good size for a wing, moves very well without the ball and very efficient as a catch & shoot shooter. Capable of creating some points with the ball in his hands too with slashing from top or attacking from low post but way better as an off ball wing. Not the best defensive player and needs to improve his defense. Played two very good games in the beginning of the season in the Euroleague and scored 11 points against Žalgiris and Real Madrid.
Stepan Gontar (C | 212 cm | ‘02) ~ Nizhny Novgorod
Averaged 13.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in the tournament and finished in the All Tournament Team. Mobile big with good touch around the rim and can also knock down shots from mid range. His shooting motion is smooth for a player his size and I think he could extend his range and start taking more three point shots in future too. Contests most shots around the rim and he has improved as a rim protector. Struggles against more physical players and can lose balance and make some unnecessary mistakes but should be fine when he adds more muscle mass and becomes stronger.
Andrey Martyuk (F | 209 cm | ‘00) ~ Lokomotiv Kuban
Averaged 15.7 points and 7.3 rebounds but played only 15 and 13 minutes in the first two matches because of a blowout win. Versatile forward with inside & outside game. Reads the situations well and knows when to take a shot or go to the rim. Has some solid handles for a player his size and pretty fluid with the ball in his hands. Moves his feet well on the defensive end and has some switchability potential – can defend on perimeter.
Iaroslav Niagu (C | 211 cm | ‘03) ~ Lokomotiv Kuban
One of the youngest players in the tournament and had a smaller role in his team. Fluid and mobile big that can stretch the floor and hit shots from distance. Most of his points at the tournament came in the paint though where he wasn’t afraid to initiate the contact against stronger players and go for dunks. Good rim protector and rebounder and knows how to use his length in defense. Definitely one of the players with the highest ceiling in this tournament.
Alexander Shashkov (PF | 209 cm | ‘00) ~ CSKA Moscow
Not the best tournament for Shashkov and he is capable of much better performances but with some moves in the finals he showed that he has the potential for something more. His body has improved and looks stronger and prepared for the pro level. Solid shooter from distance and can stretch the floor or attack other slower bigs with drives if they are too close to him. Also runs the floor really well and can outrun other bigs. Active rebounder on both sides of the floor. With his combination of size and mobility he is also a good inside and outside defender.
Anton Kardanakhishvili (G/F | 195 cm | ‘02) ~ CSKA Moscow
Versatile swingman with an all around game. Finished the tournament with 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Has good positional size, strong body and knows how to use his strength and size in post up situations and finishes at the rim. Pretty good spot up shooter too. Has a high basketball IQ and makes good decisions on both sides of the court.
Konstantin Shevchuk (G | 188 cm | ‘00) ~ Zenit St. Petersburg
Quick guard with good length and a really good and explosive first step. Changes the pace smoothly and goes by defenders and to the rim without much troubles. His touch at the rim is good and can finish under contact even against much stronger players. Has a great ability to draw the fouls and get to the free throw line. Needs to improve his shot from distance and his decision making. Was selected in the All Tournament Team and finished the tournament with 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
