Welcome back!

PRE-GAME BREAKDOWN

The team from the banks of the Volga has a rich history, but it only opens its VTB League chapter. Samara has not played in the top division of Russian basketball since 2009, when the United League did not yet exist.

Nevertheless, Samara disappeared from the elite basketball map later, in 2015, because the Krasnye Krylia existed there for another six years and fought well with the leaders.

The Red-Blues traditionally held a training session in Krylatskoye, after which they went to Sheremetyevo and flew to Samara with Aeroflot's regular flight. All players went on the trip, with the exception of Vladimir Karpenko, who this weekend was sent to the disposal of the youth team.

WORD TO THE COACH

Emil Rajkovic, CSKA head coach:

Samara put together very competitive roster for this season with several quality American players on it. They play first game at home after a long break, so they will be very motivated to play well in front of their fans. We must be fully focused especially on defense to take the victory there.

SHORT DOSSIER

BC Samara

Founded: 1976
Colors: blue, white
Homecourt: Vladimir Vysotsky Palace of Sports (5,000)
President: Kamo Pogosian
Head coach: Sergey Bazarevich
Website: bcsamara.com

Trophy case: Russian League bronze winners (1996, 97), Superleague 1 champions (2019, 21), Russian Cup winners (2020, 22)