5 contenders for Young Player of the Year

We bring you the latest in our series featuring the top contenders for each of the league's individual regular season awards. VTB-League.com has already run down the race for 6th Man of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Up next: the 2014-15 Young Player of the Year.

The best way to build for the future is to nuture and develop young talent. VTB-League.com looks at the top players in the league born in 1992 or later that have made the biggest impact on the court this season. Who do you think should be named Young Player of the Year?

Artem Vikhrov, Zenit guard

Age: 22
Stats: 22 games (26.6 minutes), 7.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and an efficiency rating of 7.3.

After bouncing between Triumph's youth and senior squad last season, Vikhrov is now a big contributor for Zenit. Named Young Player of the Month in February, he's made huge strides. Vikhrov has started several games for Zenit and ranks third on the team in minutes played. The 22-year-old Russian plays tough defense, makes smart decisions at the point and pushes the ball up the floor on fast breaks. Vikhrov is the perfect player for Vasily Karasev's system.

Viktor Zaryazhko, Krasnye Krylia guard

Age: 22
Stats: 23 games (27.4 minutes), 7.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and an efficiency rating of 7.0.

Zaryazhko competed with Vikhrov for playing time on Triumph's youth team last season, before moving to Samara in the summer. Zaryazhko struggled early in the season, but has stepped up his production in recent months, coming one rebound shy of a triple-double in a recent game vs. Astana (25 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds). Zaryazhko does it all for a young, inexperienced Samara squad: runs the offense, scores and gives 100% on defense.

Artem Klimenko, Avtodor center

Age: 20
Stats: 15 games (14.2 minutes), 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists and an efficiency rating of 6.7.

There was lots of talk that Artem Klimenko might start this season in the NBA, but he chose to stay in Saratov and get another year of experience under his belt. Unfortunately, Klimenko suffered a serious injury in October, forcing Avtodor to sign Kyrylo Fesenko as a replacement. Fesenko has been terrific and Klimenko's minutes dropped significantly when he returned to the court. But he tries to take advantage of his opportunities and could play an important role for Saratov in the playoffs.

Dmitry Kulagin, Zenit guard

Age: 22
Stats: 15 games (28.4 minutes), 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and an efficiency rating of 9.2.

Kulagin has been seen as one of Russia's most talented prospects dating back to his time with Nizhny Novgorod and took another step forward this season. Kulagin is already a member of the Russian national team and plays a huge role for 4th place Zenit. Zenit has a winning percentage of .733 with Kulagin in the roster and .667 without. Named the VTB United League's Young Player of the Year last season alongside Edgaras Ulanovas as well as the Young Player of the Month in November, Kulagin has continued to improve on offense and defense. He's often charged with defending the opposing team's top perimeter scorer.

Janis Timma, VEF forward

Age: 22
Stats: 24 games (29.1 minutes), 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and an efficiency rating of 13.8.

Janis Timma is the only player on our list to already be selected in the NBA draft. The talented Latvian wingman was drafted 60th by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, but decided to stay home in Latvia for now. Timma joined VEF from Ventspils last season and has been a leader in Riga all season. He's the favorite to win the 2014-15 VTB United League Young Player of the Year award, having picked up the monthly honors in October, December, January and March. He also leads the field in minutes, points, rebounds, assists and efficiency rating.