CSKA Moscow have announced the signing of center Ivan Lazarev on a one-year deal.
This signing means that Lazarev has now fulfilled a dream to sign a contract with the Russian and Euroleague powerhouses.
“Just to appear on CSKA practices was unbelievable, the dream coming true,” he said. “To sign the contract is a big honour and huge responsibility at the same time.
“I clearly understand that I was invited due to circumstances and with full roster it will be very difficult to get playing time. Still I have a unique chance to work under the guidance of great specialists, together with the best players in Europe.”
Lazarev began this year’s pre-season by working out for neighbours Dynamo Moscow, but he was released by the club due to financial problems.
With all documents pending, the 24-year-old should be able to join his new team-mates on a pre-season tour of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
“I like his mobility, dedication and focus,” said CSKA coach Dimitris Itoudis. “We talked several times in person, I explained him the situation. He is enthusiastic about his work for CSKA and deserves to be treated as any other our player.
“He is living his dream right now, he signed here after his team went bankrupt. Yes, the life is making some interesting turns, we don’t know much about scenarios that are written for us. Now he got great opportunity: Ivan is very mobile for his size, and now he has to work on his physical strength with our trainers.”
Lazarev started last season with Zenit St.Petersburg and in seven Eurocup appearances, the big man averaged 4.4 points, 2.7 rebounds in 9.3 minutes a game.
He also averaged 2.8 points in limited minutes in the VTB League.
Lazarev then moved to Ryazan in February but was hampered with injury problems and could not play any real leading roles. He competed in 11 Superleague games and averaged 4.9 points, 2.5 rebounds in 9.3 minutes.
