Alexander Kaun named Defensive Player of the Year

CSKA center Alexander Kaun has been named the 2013-2014 VTB United League’s Defensive Player of the Year.

The prize for the top defensive player was first established this season. The League’s expert panel, featuring seven basketball legends from five League countries—Ivan Edeshko (Russia), Jiri Zidek (Czech Republic), Ilona Korstin (Russia), Armand Kraulins (Latvia), Tomas Pacesas (Lithuania), Sergei Tarakanov (Russia) and Heino Enden (Estonia)—made the final selection.

Following a poll of the expert panel, CSKA's Alexander Kaun picked up the most votes (3 of 7). The Russian center beat out UNICS forward Kostas Kaimakoglou (2 votes), as well as Khimki forward Sergey Monia and CSKA forward Viktor Khryapa (1 vote each) for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

During the VTB United League regular season, Alexander Kaun played in 15 games, averaging 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and an efficiency rating of 13.2. 

The CSKA center plays a key, defining role in Ettore Messina's defensive schemes. Thanks in large part to his defensive passion and aptitude, Kaun won a place in the Army Men's starting lineup (he started 73.3% of games in the League this season, compared to 56.0% last season). We should also note that Kaun won the October MVP award and was named to the League's All-October and All-March squads. 

Alexander Kaun will receive his Defensive Player of the Year award during the playoffs.

- I'm happy for the recognition, but have to point out that this type of honor is always the credit of the team, - said Alexander Kaun. - I try to block off the 3-second zone, but it's still hard to stop the opponent on your own. We do that by helping each other out, by teamwork. I hope that the important titles are still to come for all of us.