CSKA Moscow signs Nikita Kurbanov to a multi-year extension

Days after it completed its domestic season by winning its seventh straight VTB United League championship, CSKA Moscow began its preparations for next season by locking up Nikita Kurbanov on a multi-year contract extension. CSKA and Kurbanov (2.02 meters, 31 years old) agreed to a two-year deal with an option for a third season. The veteran forward is a product of the CSKA youth system and has played parts of 10 seasons with the senior club. He was a member of CSKA's EuroLeague-winning squads in both 2006 and 2016 and has also lifted nine Russian League and five VTB crowns. Last season Kurbanov started 35 of a maximum 36 games for CSKA and averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds alongside stellar defense in helping the club reach the Final Four. With 436 appearances in all competitions for CSKA, Kurbanov is now in fourth place on the club's all-time list of games played. He has also suited up for Lokomotiv Rostov, Spartak St. Petersburg, UNICS Kazan and Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar during his career.

"We are proud that Nikita has developed into franchise player in recent years," head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. "He has contributed to the team success a lot. Definitely we are happy to have him for next several seasons. I wish for him to stay healthy and determined, to keep the same fire inside and desire to become better and help the team."

"I am very glad to stay on my boyhood team," Kurbanov said. "I am a Muscovite; I come from the CSKA junior team, so it was always special for me to wear the red and blue. I would like to thank the management and coaching staff for their trust in me. I will do everything possible to help the Army Men get more big victories."