Ukrainian basketball player Oleksandr Kovlijar arrived in Podgorica and joined Budućnost Voli, after completing the pre-qualifications for the World Championship with his national team.
Kovlijar (23 years old, 191 cm) was the first signing of Buducnost this summer, playing as a playmaker, and comes to Podgorica from Lithuanian Litkabelis. He started his career in Himik Pivdena, a team whose colors were once defended by former "blue" captain Suad Šehović, who is now the assistant executive director for sports affairs. Kovlijar also played for Tartu Ulikol, Kalev and Obradoiro.
"I'm a fast player, passionate on the field. I like to do a lot of things, especially in defense. I'll try to be the engine of the team," Kovlijar said at the presentation.
In the Eurocup last season, he averaged 12,5 points, 2,2 rebounds and 4,7 assists.
"The EuroCup is a very strong competition, with very good teams and a lot of good players. I expect that this season we will have a very good chance of competing for the trophy, which is our primary goal."
Kovlijar signed a two-year contract with the Montenegrin champion.
"I've always tried to find people who believe in me. I found that in Buducnost, where I can get the opportunity to prove myself at a high level, to make a step forward in my basketball career. I'll be on a good team, I'll play in a good league, against great teams. So, this is a good opportunity for me to progress," Kovlijar pointed out.
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He followed Buducnost last season.
"I followed the team last season, especially in the ABA League playoffs. The fans here will help us in many ways. It is truly a pleasure and an honor to be a member of one of the best clubs in the ABA League."
Buducnost started preparations last week, followed by a period of acclimatization.
"Since I follow basketball, I know almost all the guys. We're all professionals, it will be easy to 'connect' on the court so that everything works properly," concluded Kovlijar.
In addition to Kovlijar, Axel Butey (wing), Jerry Frank Butsiel (center), Skylar Mays (guard) and James Thomson (center) arrived at Buducnost this summer.
Yogi Ferrell and Juvan Morgan extended their contracts, while Andrija Slavković, Đorđije Jovanović, Rašid Sulajmon, Fletcher Maggie and Nikola Tanasković were under contract.
Kenan Kamenjaš and McKinley Wright went to Dubai, Aleksa Ilić and Mateo Drežnjak to SC Derbi, Petar Minić to Podgorica Bemax, and Judoka Azubuki and Alen Omić also left the team.
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