Team Focus 2012-13: BC Khimki Moscow Region 19 september 2012
Euroleague.net
WHAT'S NEW
The reigning Eurocup champion, BC Khimki Moscow Region did some refreshing in the frontcourt and got a lot bigger with the addition of James Augustine at power forward and Paul Davis at center. The latter will be making his Euroleague debut, just like swingman K.C. Rivers. While they added size in the front line, the acquisition of point guard Petteri Koponen bolsters team's perimeter and gives them a serious three-point threat.
The reigning Eurocup champion, BC Khimki Moscow Region did some refreshing in the frontcourt and got a lot bigger with the addition of James Augustine at power forward and Paul Davis at center. The latter will be making his Euroleague debut, just like swingman K.C. Rivers. While they added size in the front line, the acquisition of point guard Petteri Koponen bolsters team's perimeter and gives them a serious three-point threat.
THE BACKCOURT
Khimki has many options at the point guard position with newcomer Koponen, combo-guard Vitaly Fridzon and up-and-coming Dimitriy Khvostov, but it will be Eurocup Final Four MVP Zoran Planinic running Khimki’s offense. In addition to his leadership, Planinic uses his height to post up and his quickness to penetrate and give a nice balance to Khimki’s perimeter attack, which also features dangerous behind-the-arc shooters in Fridzon, Rivers, Koponen and Egor Vyaltsev.
THE FRONTCOURT
With his ability to excel at both forward positions, Sergey Monya’s size, skill and court vision is crucial for Khimki’s success. His presence is complimentary to Kreso Loncar, who possesses an array of offensive weapons around the basket. The addition of Augustine and his rebounding abilities solidifies this frontcourt. Moreover, the experience and toughness of Matt Nielsen, and size of big men Davis and Alexey Zhukanenko off the bench give this group great deal of depth. Behind them, Benjamin-Pavel Dudu and Anton Pushkov will battle for the remaining court time.
OUTLOOK
Khimki looks to use last year's Eurocup glory as a building block to Turkish Airlines Euroleague success. Coach Kurtinaitis has the core of that team back with added more size, scoring and rebounding in the frontcourt, as well as some scoring options to their backcourt. The team found its ways last season, and being no strangers to the latter stages of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, at Khimki they know that extending those habits into this season could take them a long way.
PLAYER TO WATCH: James Augustine
A rebounding specialist brings this team an inside presence it did not have. It also gives Coach Kurtinaitis an option to go really big using him alongside Planinic, Monya and Loncar. And with many scorers filling up Khimki's roster, Augustine's ability to dominate the boards is what could complete this team.
Khimki has many options at the point guard position with newcomer Koponen, combo-guard Vitaly Fridzon and up-and-coming Dimitriy Khvostov, but it will be Eurocup Final Four MVP Zoran Planinic running Khimki’s offense. In addition to his leadership, Planinic uses his height to post up and his quickness to penetrate and give a nice balance to Khimki’s perimeter attack, which also features dangerous behind-the-arc shooters in Fridzon, Rivers, Koponen and Egor Vyaltsev.
THE FRONTCOURT
With his ability to excel at both forward positions, Sergey Monya’s size, skill and court vision is crucial for Khimki’s success. His presence is complimentary to Kreso Loncar, who possesses an array of offensive weapons around the basket. The addition of Augustine and his rebounding abilities solidifies this frontcourt. Moreover, the experience and toughness of Matt Nielsen, and size of big men Davis and Alexey Zhukanenko off the bench give this group great deal of depth. Behind them, Benjamin-Pavel Dudu and Anton Pushkov will battle for the remaining court time.
OUTLOOK
Khimki looks to use last year's Eurocup glory as a building block to Turkish Airlines Euroleague success. Coach Kurtinaitis has the core of that team back with added more size, scoring and rebounding in the frontcourt, as well as some scoring options to their backcourt. The team found its ways last season, and being no strangers to the latter stages of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, at Khimki they know that extending those habits into this season could take them a long way.
PLAYER TO WATCH: James Augustine
A rebounding specialist brings this team an inside presence it did not have. It also gives Coach Kurtinaitis an option to go really big using him alongside Planinic, Monya and Loncar. And with many scorers filling up Khimki's roster, Augustine's ability to dominate the boards is what could complete this team.
Source
http://www.euroleague.net/news/i/99604/180
