Summer Stars: League's Top 10 On International Stage

Amidst a flurry of free-agent signings and transfers, national teams around the world have been busy on the court. VTB United League stars are no exception, as many play vital roles for their respective countries. VTB-League.com is here to run down the league's biggest names starring on the international stage this summer.

Ryan Broekhoff, Lokomotiv-Kuban forward

National Team: Australia
Australia earned an automatic entry to the Olympics, so Broekhoff and co. have yet to compete in an official game. Surrounded by NBA players on the starting five, the hard-working forward has a very similar role to his job in Krasnodar: playing lockdown defense, cleaning up the glass, and attacking from the perimeter.

Andrey Vorontsevich, CSKA forward

National Team: Russia
After an exhausting, but triumphant club campaign, Vorontsevich did rehab work in the USA, missing the start of national team camp, including the first exhibition vs. Belarus. Andrey isn't in great shape yet, but it's safe to say coach Sergei Bazarevich has big plans for the Russian forward. Vorontsevich garnered a lot of attention at the most recent EuroBasket, finishing in the top-3 in rebounds and double-doubles, as well as 9th in blocks. Always reliable and productive for reigning league champs CSKA, Vorontsevich will be a major contributor in Russia's efforts to qualify for the upcoming European championships.

Nando De Colo, CSKA guard

National Team: France
Europe's top player during the 2015-16 season, De Colo hopes to help lead the French national team to a spot on the podium at this summer's Olympic Games. De Colo and co. took the first step in early July, breezing through the qualifying tournament in Manila. The French guard reprised his role at CSKA, scoring and distributing, while chipping in on the glass. Not surprisingly, he was named tournament MVP. France hopes he will be just as dominant in Brazil and guide his nation to its first Olympic medal in men's basketball in 16 years.

Sergey Karasev, Zenit guard

National Team: Russia
Karasev said recently that he hopes to return to the NBA and sees his move back to Russia as a chance to attract new attention. Fans had a mixed reaction to the statement, but he took the first step in Russia's recent exhibition game vs. Belarus. Karasev had a major impact, and signs point to the talented forward enjoying a renaissance with the national team and new Zenit squad.

Artsiom Parakhouski, UNICS center

National Team: Belarus
Belarus is set to battle Poland, Estonia, and Portugal in 2017 EuroBasket qualifying. Basketball has seen a gradual shift away from the traditional center position, but the Belarusians are unlikely to follow suit. Lacking depth, Belarus will play through its UNICS star, who has sacrificed much of his summer vacation to prepare with the national team. Belarus's first outing, unfortunately, was largely disappointing. Parakhouski had six points and seven rebounds, while the team suffered a 53-point defeat to Russia. There's still plenty of work to be done.

Milos Teodosic, CSKA guard

National Team: Serbia
Yet another CSKA leader was busy in July, helping his national team qualify for the Rio Olympics. Teodosic didn't have as much impact as De Colo, but Serbia had little trouble advancing in Belgrade. Runners-up at the last world championships, Serbia will be back on the world stage this August in Brazil. Milos hurt a finger in a late July exhibition vs. Argentina, but he will be healthy in time for the Olympics, which is great news for the Serbian national team's rabid fans.

Janis Timma, Zenit forward

National Team: Latvia
The Zenit star was one of the most productive players at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Serbia. Latvia lost a dramatic semifinal game to Puerto Rico, but Timma has nothing to be ashamed of, finishing second in scoring and first in rebounding for his team.

Dmitry Khvostov, Lokomotiv-Kuban guard

National Team: Russia
Alongside Vorontsevich, Khvostov was one of the few bright spots for Russia at the 2015 EuroBasket. Since then, the recent Loko signing has continued to elevate his game, earning the role of starting point guard on the national team. This summer, he will look to keep Russia's offense humming, feed big man Timofey Mozgov in the paint, and contribute in clutch moments.

Alexey Shved, Khimki guard

National Team: Russia
Shved started on the bench in his return to the national team, but the Khimki star continues to be a very important piece for the national team. With his first possession, Shved hit Andrey Zubkov with a beautiful pass and soon after knocked down a shot at the buzzer. Whether or not Shved starts for Russia, he's going to be a dynamic creator on the court, scoring the ball and setting up teammates.

Arturs Stalbergs, Nizhny Novgorod head coach

National Team: Latvia
The casual VTB United League fan was likely rooting for Latvia during the recent Olympic qualifying tournament in Serbia. Of 12 men on the roster, only Ojars Silins has never played in the League. The coaching staff was also very VTB United League-centric as head coach Ainars Bagatskis was assisted by Arturs Stalbergs, who recently took over the job in Nizhny Novgorod. The young, up-and-coming team failed to make it to Rio, but left a solid impression. Now Stalbergs looks to apply that experience to the rebuilding process in Nizhny.