2-times Euroleague champ joined CSKA

Forward/center Kyle Hines (26 y.o., 198 cm) signed the contract with our club. The player arrives from Olympiacos where he won 2 Euroleague titles in 2 previous seasons.

The 2-year agreement will become official after the medical tests which will take place in Moscow on July 12.

Hines started his pro career slowly: he was not drafted by NBA clubs, he spent 2 years in Italian Division 2 and one in German League. But he proved he belongs to the elite by impressive play for Olympiacos. He was an important role player in Istanbul 2012 Final Four and he became a true leader to the Piraeus side in London 2013. Kyle was second on the team behind Reds superstar Vassilis Spanoulis in ranking points (12.7 vs 15.1) last season and he was his team’s best player in the semifinal game against CSKA by recording double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds).

Hines averages in 2012-13 season: 9.4 points (60.5% of two-pointers, 58.7% of free throws), 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.2 blocked-shots in 20.2 minutes of 31 Euroleague games, 7.4 points (65% of two-pointers, 58% of free throws), 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocked-shots in 16.1 minutes of 25 Greek regular championship games, 7.9 points (60% of two-pointers, 66% of free throws), 6.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.8 blocked-shots in 20.0 minutes of 8 Greek playoff games.

Andrey Vatutin, PBC CSKA President:

By inviting Hines we plan to become stronger physically and mentally. Kyle is a true warrior and natural-born winner who won the title almost everywhere he played. Being notably smaller than the opponents on his position he gets an advantage by his unbelievable energy, mobility, tough defense and brilliant work on the glass. Hines will give our coaching staff more flexibility in choosing the roster and tactics. Kyle fully adapted to the European basketball in past five years and, what is important, he continues to improve. Hopefully, his series of successes will continue in CSKA uniform. Definitely with this signing our frontline will go through further changes.

Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:

Kyle is an ultimate team player. He is a player who I’d liked and respected since his days in Bamberg. He brings versatility, toughness, rebounding and good ball-handling which is a very special asset for a big man. I am sure he will strengthen our front court.

Media attention! The player will be officially introduced in USH CSKA on Saturday, July 13, 2 pm Moscow time.