CSKA, Holden agree for two more years

One of the signature players during the rise of CSKA this decade, point guard J.R. Holden, has signed on for two more seasons with the Russian champs and Euroleague runners-up. Holden (185, 30) has been to five consecutive Final Fours as one of CSKA's key contributors and won the Euroleague title with the club in 2006. Along the way, Holden has been indispensible as a defensive ace, ballhandler and explosive scorer when called upon. He has averaged double-digit scoring in Euroleague play for CSKA during every season since he joined the club in 2002-03. Last season, Holden put up 10 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steal per game. Holden has won four consecutive Russian League titles and three Russian Cups with CSKA. His five Final Four appearances in a row give him one of the longest streaks ever in that tournament. Holden is also the fifth leading scorer all-time in Euroleague Basketball history with 1,790 career points.

"I am very happy that we signed the new contract," Holden said after signing. "I used to say that I want to finish my career in CSKA, and now I have a chance to continue it, at least for two more years. It's a great situation and a great chance for me to win two more championships. CSKA is used to being a winner, used to being a Euroleague contender. I am glad I have the possibility to be on the team once again."

"I am excited that we made this deal with J.R, because it's very hard to imagine CSKA without Holden in the last five years," Andrey Vatutin, senior vice-president of CSKA, said. "J.R. himself is a true symbol of our club. It's great that we didn't break this tradition. I want to mention especially that we have also agreed that J.R. will play for Russian national team this summer."