The Transformation. High-flyer from Nizhniy, Ukrainian guard and a former Wizard.

VTB United League and Sports Express continue their joint project - The Transformation. This time we are focusing on three more off-season signings as Victor Rudd tries to replace D.J. Stephens in the League’s highlights, Denys Lukashov boosts the level of competition in Avtodor and Chris Singleton looks to add more options to Lokomotiv’s offensive schemes.

Victor Rudd, Niznhiy Novgorod

Position - SF/PF
Country: USA
Age: 24
Previous clubs: Arizona State University, NCAA (2009/10), University of South Florida, NCAA (2011-2014), Delaware 87ers, D-League (2014/15)
2014/15 Season Stats: 15.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks per game

The California-born player started his basketball career for Arizona State University, where he played alongside Ruslan Pateev. However the two parted ways after one season as Rudd transferred to the University of South Florida, where he immediately established himself as one of the key players and helped his squad advance past the first round of March Madness for the first time in their history in 2011/12.

After his graduation Rudd signed with the Delaware 89ers, where he became one of the team’s scoring and rebounding leaders. In the off-season the forward wore the New Orleans’ outfit during six Summer League contests, all of which he started.

The forward possesses a decent outside shot as well as solid post moves, however it’s his leaping ability that really makes Rudd stand out. While one of the best VTB League’s dunkers D.J. Stephens is close to signing with an NBA team, he is very likely to be replaced by Rudd during the weekly highlights.

Denys Lukashov, Avtodor

Position - guard
Country: Ukraine
Age: 26
Previous clubs: BC Kyiv, Ukraine (2009/10), Budivelnyk, Ukraine (2010-2012; 2014/15), BC Donetsk, Ukraine (2012/13), BC Azovmash, Ukraine (2013/14)
2014/15 Season Stats: 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.7 steals per game.

Denys Lukashov is making his return to the VTB United League after playing in the competition for Budivelnyk, Donetsk and Azovmash. Although he was never one of the leaders on those teams, the fans can remember Lukashov for his hard work and dedication.
The guard finally managed to hit the spotlight during the 2014/15 season, when he carried Budivelnyk to Gold in Ukrainian Cup as well as Bronze set of medals in the Superleague.

Lukashov joined Avtodor immediately after EuroBasket 2015 and already managed to impress coach Greenberg with a very high basketball IQ and experience. Although Lukashov is used to starting the games off the bench, neither Malcolm Armsted, nor Jeremy Chappell can feel their starting spots are guaranteed.

Chris Singleton, Lokomotiv

Position - forward
Country: USA
Age: 25
Previous clubs: Florida State, NCAA (2008-2011), Washington Wizards, NBA (2011-2014), Jiangsu Dragons, China (2014), Oklahoma City Blue, D-League (2015)
2014/15 Season Stats: 9.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

After several seasons in the NBA and a trip to China Singleton decided to try himself out in Europe. He chose an ambitious squad, which will battle out the courts of two major European club competitions, while Lokomotiv wrapped up their off-season with a big-time signing of a very physical forward with a high basketball IQ.

“I think that Chris is exactly that type of forward that we needed. He can play three positions and can be used alongside any of our big men. Right now our goal is to get him used to European style of basketball and make him jell with the rest of the teammates”, mentioned his head coach Georgios Bartzokas.

The former Wizard managed to show his versatility in the NBA and it’s VTB League sets the stage for his talent.

Together with Singleton Lokomotiv, who finished third in scoring against last season, trailing behind UNICS and CSKA, has a shot of securing a best defensive team title.