Anton Ponomarev Named League's Top Kazakh Player

Astana forward Anton Ponomarev has been named the VTB United League's Top Kazakh Player in 2015-16. He was honored on April 23 prior to the Krasny Oktyabr - Astana game in Volgograd.

This is the 4th year that the VTB United League has honored the top players in each country represented by League clubs. In the seven countries with just one club (Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Finland and Georgia), an expert panel determines the winners. In Russia, which has nine clubs, Russian information agency TASS partners with the league to name the Top Russian Player.

This is the second time that Anton Ponomarev has been recognized. He first won the award during the 2012-13 season. Astana teammate Anatoly Kolesnikov took home the award in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Ponomarev played 24 games for Astana, averaging 20.5 minutes, 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 7.2.

- This award was an unexpected surprise, - noted Ponomarev. - I want to thank my teammates and the coaching staff. The entire team deserves credit. I'm thankful to my family and my parents, who have always supported and believed in me.