Andrey Lopatin stays for another 5 years

The Army Men youth project product Andrey Lopatin (18 y.o., 208 cm) signed new 5-year deal with our club.

The Muscovite, Trinta School alumni (first coach – Andrey Shigin) is wearing red and blue from 2014. Lopatin played for both junior teams, he also participated in preseason games with the main team in 2016. He had his best season on 2016-17 averaging 9.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocked shots in 22.7 minutes. Lopatin won two VTB United Youth League titles and JBL title, played for Russian junior National Teams. Andrey was the only representative of our country during U18 European All-Star Game played in Lilles, France during 2015 Eurobasket.

The young forward is supposed to play for CSKA-2 in Russian Superleague 1 in his first two years of new contract.

Natalia Furaeva, CSKA Vice President:

Lopatin is the first play to sign long-term contract under our new concept of youth program development. Andrey undoubtely is an interesting player, modern versatile big man, we see the perspective of him as the main team player. I am sure that playing in Superleague he will be able to gain experience and polish his skills to showcase himself as the main team player.

Andrey Maltsev, CSKA-2 head coach:

I was watching Andrey closely since he was 10, I saw him on all stages of development. I can note that he obviously matured in last half a year, the next 2 years will turn to important transition period for him, he has to become good adult player after it. I have no questions on his work ethic, he has to gain strength and skills, everything is in his hands.