James Augustine — VTB United League MVP for January 3 february 2014

BC Khimki forward James Augustine has been named VTB United League January MVP.

The League and Sport-Express work together each month to select the MVP, factoring in the candidates’ efficiency ratings, expert rankings and fan voting on the League’s Vkontakte and Facebook pages.

James Augustine earned nine points in the final tally, just beating out UNICS guard Andrew Goudelock and Enisey guard Anthony Fisher (each with eight points).

Over the past month, Augustine led Khimki to a 4-0 record (road wins over Krasnye Krylia (Russia) and Neptunas (Lithuania), and home wins over a pair of Russian clubs, Krasny Oktyabr and CSKA) and a new League-record 13 consecutive wins. The American center averaged an impressive 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 assists and an efficiency rating of 23.0 during the stretch. Of course, Augustine’s explosive performance against CSKA played the biggest role in him garnering the MVP honor. He scored 31 points on 12-12 shooting in that game, saving his best for last, as his steal and 3-pointer at the buzzer lifted Khimki to a win in an instant League classic.

Forwards Semen Antonov (Nizhny Novgorod) and Sergey Monia (Khimki) and guards Andrew Goudelock (UNICS) and Anthony Fisher (Enisey) join James Augustine on the All-January team, as selected by VTB United League and Sport-Express experts.

— Thanks so much to the VTB United League for its trust and to all of the fans and analysts for their generous recognition, — James Augustine said upon receiving his award prior to tonight’s Khimki – VEF contest. – It’s very special for me. Above all, though, this award is a tribute to our excellent play as a team. Khimki winning is the most important thing for me.