28 Dec 21
Russia Rumors
Timofey Mozgov signs for Russian second division team
An unexpected turn in Timofey Mozgov’s career – the former NBA champion moves to the second basketball league of Russia, per Sports.ru. The 35-year-old, who spent the 2010-18 period in the NBA, has signed a contract with Runa Basket Moscow. The squad leads the second Russian division with 11 wins and 1 loss.
Mario Hezonja on Saras Jasikevicius and Zeljko Obradovic coaching in NBA: 'They'd get punched in second practice'
“It’s very high tempo. It’s very physical. People want to win here. It doesn’t matter how you look, how many you score, how many you rebound, how many you pass. Just win. It was a learning experience and I’m very thankful I had Xavi there.” Asked about whether any of the European coaches, Zeljko Obradovic or Sarunas Jasikevicius for example, could become NBA head coaches at some time, Mario was clear: “They’d get punched on the second practice, and they’d get fired right after that.”
Hezonja proved to be different and he made it big. At age 17 FC Barcelona swooped in and the teenage rising star received a new level of basketball education from Coach Xavi Pascual. “European basketball is very different. I think you learn every single detail here and every single detail matters. The game, as soon as it starts, is [about] winning. Only winning matters,” Hezonja said.
Kenneth Faried to Russia
Kenneth Faried has penned a deal with CSKA Moscow, his previous team, Leones de Ponce announced Friday evening. The Russian powerhouse confirmed his addition on Saturday morning. The newcomer inked a contract for the next two months with an option to extend for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. “I am excited to be a part of the NBA team of EuroLeague and such a big organization such as CSKA Moscow,” he said, “I am excited to be able to contribute with my presence to help achieve many mutual goals together and I am appreciative for the opportunity to play.”
