The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed talented Russian guard Nikita Mikhailovskii as the club's inaugural Next Star.
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The 20-year-old's will look to bolster his NBA draft stock with the JackJumpers, with eyes on the 2022 draft.
"Nikita is one of Europe's most promising young stars and he has repeatedly proven himself on an international level with Russia's national team," NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.
"NIkita is on an NBA talent level, and we are very proud that he has chosen the NBL as his pathway to the NBA draft.
"Nikita joins what is shaping up to be an exciting Tasmania JackJumpers roster as they embark on their inaugural NBL season, and we can't wait to watch he and the JackJumpers grow and develop in their inaugural seasons."
Mikhailovskii played for Russian VTB United League team Avtodor Saratov, and was named the league's best young player in 2019 and 2020.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT:
Representing Russia in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, Mikhailovskii balled out against Greece, recording 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists.
This was the first triple-double at the cup since 2013.
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said the team was very excited to welcome Mikhailovskii aboard.
"Nikita has been playing at a very high level in Russia and his talent and shooting ability will be tremendous assets to us in our inaugural season," he said.
"To be able to secure a player of Nikita's talent through the Next Stars program speaks volumes of the program's power and the credibility of the NBL.
"We look forward to working with Nikita and developing him as a player."
Previous NBL Next Stars include LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), RJ Hampton (Orlando Magic) and Josh Giddey, who's gearing to be a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft on Friday morning.
JackJumpers roster
Josh Adams, Josh Magnette, Will Mangay, Jack McVeigh, Jarrad Weeks, Clint Steindl, Jarred Bairstow, Fabijan Krslovic, Sam McDaniel, Sejr Deans (development), Nikita Mikhailovskii (Next Star)
Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?
The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.
Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.
Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.
Harry Murtough
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
