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The NBA teams have chosen a representative of Ukraine for the first time since 2018. Then “took away” Issuf Sanon (№44, Washington Vizards) and Svyatoslav Mikhailuk (№47, Lakers)
Choosing a draft is an indirect ticket to the League. In particular, several Ukrainian basketball players felt it. Yet, other representatives of Ukraine were able to take advantage of the chances. Someone lingered for one or two seasons, and someone managed to gain a foothold in the strongest league of the world for a long time.
Alexander Volkov. Draft-1986. Round 6. №134 So-so, not only the player’s name, but also the number and round of choice in the draft. The usual form (two rounds) of the NBA draft began in 1989. And there are several explanations.
In the 1950s and 1980s there were no digital databases, video analytics, powerful Scout services. No one saw anything wrong with fixing the rights of a player in quite late rounds – and there, after joint training, decide his fate.
The late rounds were often used for players from Eastern Europe – to “focus” a potential star legionary for the future, because there was a fear that his country leadership would not be banal in the United States. The same Arvidas Sabonis was elected in 1985 in the 4th round No. 77, Petrovich Drazhen-in the 3rd under No. 60. One of these “late” elections was the Ukrainian Alexander Volkov.
Volkov’s choice was personally insisted by Atlanta head coach Mike Fatello, who won the best trainer of the year a few weeks before Draft. The leadership was not a phantom to spend the “phantom” peak on the “phantom” player – only to satisfy the request of his mentor.
At that time, Volkov was one of the best players of the USSR Championship, the European Champion, and in 1988 he won the Gold of the Olympic Games. It was with such luggage that the Ukrainian went to the United States.
Statistics in NBA: 6.8 points + 2.6 picking + 2.2 gears (149 matches)
The signing of a forward from the communist country has caused a wave of jokes in the local media: “Atlanta will start with ten African Americans, one white and one red this season.” If something, “white” was Central John Konac.
Although experts were skeptical of a forward from Eastern Europe, he calmly proved his level. He may have managed to manifest himself even better, but the 1990/91 Wolkov season was completely missed due to injury.
Having healed injuries, Alexander spent the third year even better than the first – 8.4 points, 3.4 picks and 3.2 assistants in 20 minutes on the parquet. However, Goks did not make their way to the Playoff-and it became a signal for the guidance that the wonderful team of the late 80’s rebuild. There was no place in the new plans.
Alexander played for Italian Calabria, Greek Panatinaikos and Olympiakos, but at the age of 31 he completed his career – chronic injuries were not released.
“Up to 25 years, I was not injured at all, did not miss the matches, almost did not get sick. After moving to the United States, probably changed both the schedule of matches and nutrition – and microtraumas began. And already during the game in Greece, the injury of the back was finally caught up,” he remembered.
“Up to 25 years, I was not injured at all, did not miss the matches, almost did not get sick. After moving to the United States, probably changed both the schedule of matches and nutrition – and microtraumas began. And already during the game in Greece, the injury of the back was finally caught up,” he remembered.
In the future, Volkov mastered the functioner. He stood at the origins of BC Kyiv, was the president of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine. It was thanks to his friendship with Mike Fatello that this specialist managed to involve this specialist in the national team. Under the guidance of the American Blue and Yellows, they achieved the best results in history-6th place at the 2013 Eurobasket and Release at the 2014 World Cup.
Vitaliy Potapenko. Draft-1996. Peak # 12 Case Vitaliy is somewhat different. At the age of 19, the young Bigman of the Builder accepted the proposal of the University of Wright Stat. Immediately became the leader of the team. For two seasons he spent 56 matches, scored an average of 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds.
The 1990s are an era of centers. Patrick Juing, Hakim Healing, David Robinson, Alonzo Mroning, Shakil O’Nil, Juvan Hoard. The league appreciated high, powerful players who could at least hold back the stars of the opponent in paint.
127-kilogram Potapenko was considered ideal for this request. No wonder will get nickname soon “Ukrainian train”.
Statistics in NBA: 6.5 points + 4.5 picks (610 matches)
Yes, this is not the statistics that were expected from the player from # 12. Moreover Braiant was elected immediately behind himand under No. 15 – Steve Nash.
Not having received the contract in the summer of 2007, Potapenko was left without a club until December, until the proposal from Spanish Estudianenes came. But it was not enough – only six matches and back in the knees again.
He almost immediately started a coaching career. Until 2013, he worked as an assistant at G-League clubs. Then-four years at the Cleveland headquarters, then Memphis (2018-2024), and in the summer of 2024 joined Detroit.
It should be noted that the Cavaliers became the NBA champion in the 2015/16 season.
Sergey Lishchuk. Draft-2004. Peak # 49 The dimensional forward at a young age became the star of the Super League. At first – in Pulsyra (Rivne), subsequently confirmed his Renom to the chemist (South) and Azovsha (Mariupol).
From 2009 to 2015 he advocated Spanish Valencia, with which he won the Spanish Cup and triumphed twice in the European Cup – a basketball analogue of the Europa football league.
Unfortunately, the ocean could not try their hand at one of the best players of the national team. It is symbolic that his rights as a result of exchanges visited three clubs: Houston, Lakers and Philadelphia. But Lishchuk never got to the NBA.
Alexei Caverov. Draft-2006. Peak # 18 The fate of Caverov is largely similar to the history of Lishchuk. At a young age, Alexei already had a decent moments on the parquet in the Ukrainian Championship. But if Sergei was about strength, contact and protection, then the caverns are mobility, a long throw and an attacking potential.
The league is accustomed to the new paradigm – large players who are able to attack from distance. That is why Washington spent his 18th peak on the Ukrainian.
Statistics in NBA: 3.9 points + 2.4 picks (111 matches)
Sometimes Caverov glittered-his career is 24 points. But for the most part, he received scant minutes or sat with injuries.
After Visardz and Timbervulv, he played Milan, was the leader of Azovmash, but constant damage was nullified by stability. The last time came out for a professional match in 2016 for Lebanon Hackmech. He completed his career at 31.
Cyril Fesenko. Draft-2007. Peak # 38 At a young age, he moved from the Dnieper to Azovmash, where he became one of the leaders of Dubl. And in the 2006/07 season he became a real opening in Cherkasy monkeys – the club resisted the domestic Grandam, and Cyril was a key figure.
The Portland Scouts, Chicago and Utah did not stay indifferent and came to Cherkasy to view Cyril. It was jazz and chose it in the draft.
Statistics in NBA: 2.3 points + 2.0 Early (135 matches)
Fesenko spent the first year on acclimatization-only 9 matches per UTU, most of his time played in the pharmacy club. With each passing season, the number of matches increased, but minutes – no. After the 2010/11 season, the contract was not continued.
In 2012, he received a short -term agreement with Indiana, but made only 3 games.
In 2013 he was on a contract with BC Donetsk, but again tried to break into the NBA-he performed in the G-league for Canton Charge and Delaware, but to no avail.
He returned to Europe-he played for the locomotive, Monaco, Avellino, Kant. From 2018 to 2021 he advocated his native Dnipro. Subsequently, he had exotic experience in the Iranian Hormozgany and Libyan al-Zrazri.
Subsequently, Cyril himself acknowledged that because of his young age he was distracted from training and could not tune in to serious workout work.
Sergei Gladir. Draft-2009. Peak # 49 The first Ukrainian who played in the back line and was not a Bigman. Gladrir is a classic attack defender with a three -point, good pass and the ability to replace the playarer.
But it seems that # 49 is an unhappy peak for Ukrainians. Like Lishchuk, Gladir never got a chance to make his debut in the NBA.
From 2009 to 2019 he performed in the top championships of Spain and France. As a part of Maneres, he won a three -point competition for the Stars of the Spanish League, and in Monaco laid the foundation of modern club strength.
Unfortunately, his career was damaged by injuries. At the age of 30, he hung sneakers on the nail.
Fate linked him to Monaco for a long time. Gladir worked as an assistant Sasha Obradovich for three years, and later remained at the headquarters of Vasilis Spanulis. He has recently agreed to join the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine.
Alexei Len. Draft-2013. Peak # 5 All Ukrainian basketball players for Len (except Potapenko) were selected from domestic clubs. Alexei repeated the way of Vitaliy – also spent two seasons in NCAA, where he became one of Maryland’s leaders.
That draft was a solid lottery. What to say-from all over the top ten now in the league there are only lies and Si Jay McKolum. The Ukrainian could be taken even higher than under No. 5. And this peak remains the highest for our country.
Statistics in NBA: 6.7 points + 5.3 picking
To say that Len’s career in the NBA was a star – exaggeration. But against the backdrop of a failed draft-2013, he is one of those who really became entrenched.
Successes were spectacular blocks, highlights, rotation in several clubs, protection of partners. And in the end – Len is a leader among Ukrainians in all the main indicators: matches, points, picks, blocks. The 12 seasons in the NBA are already an achievement that will be difficult to repeat.
Svyatoslav Mikhailuk. Draft-2018. Peak # 47 Already in the Junior Holidays he showed himself especially. He was attracted to the senior teams, and in the 16-year-old he made his debut for Cherkasy monkeys in the Super League-and even how! 16 points in the match against Polytechnic-Halychyna.
In the summer of 2014, he made his debut for the national team of Ukraine and became the youngest player in the history of the national team, he was only 17 years and 1.5 months. This made it possible to surpass Vitaliy Potapenko and Sergiy Lishchuk – they made their debut shortly after the age.
He was called Real and Barcelona, but Mikhailuk chose NCAA – and not just a program, but a cult Kansas Jahoks. The first two years were difficult – adaptation, language, other environment. But since the third season, Svyatoslav has played a key role.
Statistics in NBA: 6.6 Points, 1.8 picking, 1.4 gears.
7 years – 8 teams. And it could be 9. In February 2023, Nicks exchanged holidays to Portland, but on the same day he was already in Charlotte.
He played with Lebron, received good minutes in Detroit, was in Tander under the Guard of Mark Deyno, worked with Tom Tibodo in Nicks, and became a champion with Boston.
A contract with UTA on the verge of continuation – June 30 Decision on the club. But even if not – he has a strong background. Despite such a background, the basketball player is only 28 years old. The holidays clearly have not yet said the last word.
Issouf Sanon. Draft-2018. Peak №44 Athletic and explosive – the sediment was taken higher than Mikhailuk. But in the NBA he never made his debut.
He was in the summer league, but the contract failed. The same factors as Svyatoslav at the start of NCAA may have affected – youth, language, adaptation.
After Olympia, he returned to the Dnieper, and with the beginning of the war he advocated Shaul.
The following years are a extravaganza in Prometheus and Vif. In Riga, Sanon helped the team take all possible titles-the championship, the Cup and the Victory in the Latvian-Estonian League. In the spring, rumors of the interest of Barcelona were spreading – but yet without specifics.
Max Shulga. Draft-2025. Peak # 57 The latest example. Max went the longest path in NCAA – five full seasons. At the age of 18 he moved to the United States, where he first played for Utah University, and then, after the trainer Ryan Odom, went to Virginia.
There, he became a real leader – thanks to the versatility, a throw, physicality (196 cm on the positions of the playmaker) and the ability to play.
Draft 2025-and Max became a tenth Ukrainian in history, who was elected at the NBA talent fair.
The second round is not a guarantee of the contract. But this is a chance. And Shulga will receive it – already in the summer at the matches of the summer league.
Most likely, the season will start in the mini Seltix system in the G-League. But who knows how the circumstances will be: Titum is being treated, Holiday and Porzingis have already exchanged in Boston. If the window appears – you just need to be prepared. And then it all depends on Max himself.
”, – WRITE: Champion.com.ua
The NBA teams have chosen a representative of Ukraine for the first time since 2018. Then “took away” Issuf Sanon (№44, Washington Vizards) and Svyatoslav Mikhailuk (№47, Lakers)
Choosing a draft is an indirect ticket to the League. In particular, several Ukrainian basketball players felt it. Yet, other representatives of Ukraine were able to take advantage of the chances. Someone lingered for one or two seasons, and someone managed to gain a foothold in the strongest league of the world for a long time.
Alexander Volkov. Draft-1986. Round 6. №134 So-so, not only the player’s name, but also the number and round of choice in the draft. The usual form (two rounds) of the NBA draft began in 1989. And there are several explanations.
In the 1950s and 1980s there were no digital databases, video analytics, powerful Scout services. No one saw anything wrong with fixing the rights of a player in quite late rounds – and there, after joint training, decide his fate.
The late rounds were often used for players from Eastern Europe – to “focus” a potential star legionary for the future, because there was a fear that his country leadership would not be banal in the United States. The same Arvidas Sabonis was elected in 1985 in the 4th round No. 77, Petrovich Drazhen-in the 3rd under No. 60. One of these “late” elections was the Ukrainian Alexander Volkov.
Volkov’s choice was personally insisted on Atlanta Mike Fatello, who in a few weeks He won the best coach of the year before Draft. The leadership was not a phantom to spend the “phantom” peak on the “phantom” player – only to satisfy the request of his mentor.
At that time, Volkov was one of the best players of the USSR Championship, the European Champion, and in 1988 he won the Gold of the Olympic Games. It was with such luggage that the Ukrainian went to the United States.
Statistics in NBA: 6.8 points + 2.6 picking + 2.2 gears (149 matches)
The signing of a forward from the communist country has caused a wave of jokes in the local media: “Atlanta will start with ten African Americans, one white and one red this season.” If something, “white” was Central John Konac.
Although experts were skeptical of a forward from Eastern Europe, he calmly proved his level. He may have managed to manifest himself even better, but the 1990/91 Wolkov season was completely missed due to injury.
Having healed injuries, Alexander spent the third year even better than the first – 8.4 points, 3.4 picks and 3.2 assistants in 20 minutes on the parquet. However, Goks did not make their way to the Playoff-and it became a signal for the guidance that the wonderful team of the late 80’s rebuild. There was no place in the new plans.
Alexander played for Italian Calabria, Greek Panatinaikos and Olympiakos, but at the age of 31 he completed his career – chronic injuries were not released.
“Up to 25 years, I was not injured at all, did not miss the matches, almost did not get sick. After moving to the United States, probably changed both the schedule of matches and nutrition – and microtraumas began. And already during the game in Greece, the injury of the back was finally caught up,” he remembered.
“Up to 25 years, I was not injured at all, did not miss the matches, almost did not get sick. After moving to the United States, probably changed both the schedule of matches and nutrition – and microtraumas began. And already during the game in Greece, the injury of the back was finally caught up,” he remembered.
In the future, Volkov mastered the functioner. He stood at the origins of BC Kyiv, was the president of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine. It was thanks to his friendship with Mike Fatello that this specialist managed to involve this specialist in the national team. Under the guidance of the American Blue and Yellows, they achieved the best results in history-6th place at the 2013 Eurobasket and Release at the 2014 World Cup.
Vitaliy Potapenko. Draft-1996. Peak # 12 Case Vitaliy is somewhat different. At the age of 19, the young Bigman of the Builder accepted the proposal of the University of Wright Stat. Immediately became the leader of the team. For two seasons he spent 56 matches, scored an average of 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds.
The 1990s are an era of centers. Patrick Juing, Hakim Healing, David Robinson, Alonzo Mroning, Shakil O’Nil, Juvan Hoard. The league appreciated high, powerful players who could at least hold back the stars of the opponent in paint.
127-kilogram Potapenko was considered ideal for this request. No wonder will get nickname soon “Ukrainian train”.
Statistics in NBA: 6.5 points + 4.5 picks (610 matches)
Yes, this is not the statistics that were expected from the player from # 12. Moreover Braiant was elected immediately behind himand under No. 15 – Steve Nash.
Not having received the contract in the summer of 2007, Potapenko was left without a club until December, until the proposal from Spanish Estudianenes came. But it was not enough – only six matches and back in the knees again.
He almost immediately started a coaching career. Until 2013, he worked as an assistant at G-League clubs. Then-four years at the Cleveland headquarters, then Memphis (2018-2024), and in the summer of 2024 joined Detroit.
It should be noted that the Cavaliers became the NBA champion in the 2015/16 season.
Sergey Lishchuk. Draft-2004. Peak # 49 The dimensional forward at a young age became the star of the Super League. At first – in Pulsyra (Rivne), subsequently confirmed his Renom to the chemist (South) and Azovsha (Mariupol).
From 2009 to 2015 he advocated Spanish Valencia, with which he won the Spanish Cup and triumphed twice in the European Cup – a basketball analogue of the Europa football league.
Unfortunately, the ocean could not try their hand at one of the best players of the national team. It is symbolic that his rights as a result of exchanges visited three clubs: Houston, Lakers and Philadelphia. But Lishchuk never got to the NBA.
Alexei Caverov. Draft-2006. Peak # 18 The fate of Caverov is largely similar to the history of Lishchuk. At a young age, Alexei already had a decent moments on the parquet in the Ukrainian Championship. But if Sergei was about strength, contact and protection, then the caverns are mobility, a long throw and an attacking potential.
The league is accustomed to the new paradigm – large players who are able to attack from distance. That is why Washington spent his 18th peak on the Ukrainian.
Statistics in NBA: 3.9 points + 2.4 picks (111 matches)
Sometimes Caverov glittered-his career is 24 points. But for the most part, he received scant minutes or sat with injuries.
After Visardz and Timbervulv, he played Milan, was the leader of Azovmash, but constant damage was nullified by stability. The last time came out for a professional match in 2016 for Lebanon Hackmech. He completed his career at 31.
Cyril Fesenko. Draft-2007. Peak # 38 At a young age, he moved from the Dnieper to Azovmash, where he became one of the leaders of Dubl. And in the 2006/07 season he became a real opening in Cherkasy monkeys – the club resisted the domestic Grandam, and Cyril was a key figure.
The Portland Scouts, Chicago and Utah did not stay indifferent and came to Cherkasy to view Cyril. It was jazz and chose it in the draft.
Statistics in NBA: 2.3 points + 2.0 picking (135 matches)
Fesenko spent the first year on acclimatization-only 9 matches per UTU, most of his time played in the pharmacy club. With each passing season, the number of matches increased, but minutes – no. After the 2010/11 season, the contract was not continued.
In 2012, he received a short -term agreement with Indiana, but made only 3 games.
In 2013 he was on a contract with BC Donetsk, but again tried to break into the NBA-he performed in the G-league for Canton Charge and Delaware, but to no avail.
He returned to Europe-he played for the locomotive, Monaco, Avellino, Kant. From 2018 to 2021 he advocated his native Dnipro. Subsequently, he had exotic experience in the Iranian Hormozgany and Libyan al-Zrazri.
Subsequently, Cyril himself acknowledged that because of his young age he was distracted from training and could not tune in to serious workout work.
Sergei Gladir. Draft-2009. Peak # 49 The first Ukrainian who played in the back line and was not a Bigman. Gladrir is a classic attack defender with a three -point, good pass and the ability to replace the playarer.
But it seems that # 49 is an unhappy peak for Ukrainians. Like Lishchuk, Gladir never got a chance to make his debut in the NBA.
From 2009 to 2019 he performed in the top championships of Spain and France. As a part of Maneres, he won a three -point competition for the Stars of the Spanish League, and in Monaco laid the foundation of modern club strength.
Unfortunately, his career was damaged by injuries. At the age of 30, he hung sneakers on the nail.
Fate linked him to Monaco for a long time. Gladir worked as an assistant Sasha Obradovich for three years, and later remained at the headquarters of Vasilis Spanulis. Recently agreed To join the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine.
Alexei Len. Draft-2013. Peak # 5 All Ukrainian basketball players for Len (except Potapenko) were selected from domestic clubs. Alexei repeated the way of Vitaliy – also spent two seasons in NCAA, where he became one of Maryland’s leaders.
That draft was a solid lottery. What to say-from all over the top ten now in the league there are only lies and Si Jay McKolum. The Ukrainian could be taken even higher than under No. 5. And this peak remains the highest for our country.
Statistics in NBA: 6.7 points + 5.3 picking
To say that Len’s career in the NBA was a star – exaggeration. But against the backdrop of a failed draft-2013, he is one of those who really became entrenched.
Successes were spectacular blocks, highlights, rotation in several clubs, protection of partners. And in the end – Len is a leader among Ukrainians in all the main indicators: matches, points, picks, blocks. The 12 seasons in the NBA are already an achievement that will be difficult to repeat.
Svyatoslav Mikhailuk. Draft-2018. Peak # 47 Already in the Junior Holidays he showed himself especially. He was attracted to the senior teams, and in the 16-year-old he made his debut for Cherkasy monkeys in the Super League-and even how! 16 points in the match against Polytechnic-Halychyna.
In the summer of 2014, he made his debut for the national team of Ukraine and became the youngest player in the history of the national team, he was only 17 years and 1.5 months. This made it possible to surpass Vitaliy Potapenko and Sergiy Lishchuk – they made their debut shortly after the age.
He was called Real and Barcelona, but Mikhailuk chose NCAA – and not just a program, but a cult Kansas Jahoks. The first two years were difficult – adaptation, language, other environment. But since the third season, Svyatoslav has played a key role.
Statistics in NBA: 6.6 Points, 1.8 picking, 1.4 gears.
7 years – 8 teams. And it could be 9. In February 2023, Nicks exchanged holidays to Portland, but on the same day he was already in Charlotte.
He played with Lebron, received good minutes in Detroit, was in Tander under the Guard of Mark Deyno, worked with Tom Tibodo in Nicks, and became a champion with Boston.
A contract with UTA on the verge of continuation – June 30 Decision on the club. But even if not – he has a strong background. Despite such a background, the basketball player is only 28 years old. The holidays clearly have not yet said the last word.
Issouf Sanon. Draft-2018. Peak №44 Athletic and explosive – the sediment was taken higher than Mikhailuk. But in the NBA he never made his debut.
He was in the summer league, but the contract failed. The same factors as Svyatoslav at the start of NCAA may have affected – youth, language, adaptation.
After Olympia, he returned to the Dnieper, and with the beginning of the war he advocated Shaul.
The following years are a extravaganza in Prometheus and Vif. In Riga, Sanon helped the team take all possible titles-the championship, the Cup and the Victory in the Latvian-Estonian League. In the spring, rumors of the interest of Barcelona were spreading – but yet without specifics.
Max Shulga. Draft-2025. Peak # 57 The latest example. Max went the longest path in NCAA – five full seasons. At the age of 18 he moved to the United States, where he first played for Utah University, and then, after the trainer Ryan Odom, went to Virginia.
There, he became a real leader – thanks to the versatility, a throw, physicality (196 cm on the positions of the playmaker) and the ability to play.
Draft 2025-and Max became a tenth Ukrainian in history, who was elected at the NBA talent fair.
The second round is not a guarantee of the contract. But this is a chance. And Shulga will receive it – already in the summer at the matches of the summer league.
Most likely, the season will start in the mini Seltix system in the G-League. But who knows how the circumstances will be: Titum is being treated, Holiday and Porzingis have already exchanged in Boston. If the window appears – you just need to be prepared. And then it all depends on Max himself.