Without Kurbi, it's impossible

Kurbanov has 17 seasons in the main team and 18 overall in the red-blue colors, if you count the year in the youth team. His 805 games for CSKA are a club record by a wide margin (Andrei Vorontsevich is in second place with 696).

At the same time, the veteran still remains a key player in the coaching rotation. Before his injury at the end of the semifinal series, Nikita was in the starting lineup in all 49 games of the season, working on defense against the opponents' leaders and helping to control the board. With 3.8 rebounds on average last season he was the third after a pair of centers Tonye Jekiri (5.2) and Livio Jean-Charles (4.1).

Andreas Pistiolis, CSKA head coach:

Nikita is a cornerstone of our club's success. Together we have won numerous EuroLeague and VTB League titles. He is a manifestation of the dedication and fighting spirit that defines who we are. He is an inspiring example for the future generations of Russian basketball.

Nikita Kurbanov, CSKA forward:

Playing for my hometown team, under the guidance of a great coaches, alongside great teammates and staff, the feeling of unity with our amazing fans, and the opportunity to fight for titles gives me great pleasure. I am happy that I will continue to wear the CSKA uniform and achieve new victories for us all. I feel strong enough to perform at a high level and am looking forward to returning to the court.