Anton was born in Minsk, he possesses Belarussian citizenship as well as Russian residence permit. The player defends CSKA colors and lives in Moscow from 2009, he graduated from college this year and hopes to receive Russian citizenship soon. Astapkovich never played for Belarussian National Team on any level.
The talented forward already has experience of playing for the main CSKA team: last season he participated in 3 Euroleague and 3 VTB United League games with total of 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal in 24 minutes. He was much more valuable for the second team where he played for 5 years. Anton was named 2015 VTB United Youth League MVP and helped the team to bring gold medals home. His averages in the tournament: 15.9 points (57% two-point, 45.4% three-point shots, 72.8% free throws), 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.9 blocked-shots in 24.5 minutes.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Last year Anton worked with the team during the preseason camp and took part in some official games. We kept our eyes on him, he played well for the second team and earned the right to be tried out for the main team. He will be an equal member of the team now as a young player. We talked and I explained that he has to work even harder now.
Anton Astapkovich, CSKA forward:
Unbelievable feelings… I’d like the season to start as soon as possible, I’d like to find out more about my role on the team. We’ve already talked generally, the coach wants me to improve, to grow professionally. I am ready to live up to his expectations.
