The Army Men newcomer is known for playing for Triumph/Zenit where he spent most of his pro career. Lazarev started last season in St.Petersburg with 7 Eurocup appearances (4.4 points, 2.7 rebounds in 9.3 minutes) and 9 games in VTB League (2.8 points, 1.8 rebounds in 8.5 minutes). The player moved to Ryazan in February but got injured and could not play the leading roles. Ivan played in 11 Superleague games (4.9 points, 2.5 rebounds in 9.3 minutes). The center started his preseason preparations with Dynamo Moscow but was released due to the club’s financial problems. He was tried out by CSKA coaching staff during past week.
The contract with Lazarev was signed right after the morning practice, all necessary documents are sent to Euroleague and VTB League. Ivan went to Tbilisi with the team and he is available for tomorrow’sgame vs Vita.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
When Dynamo ran into the problems and we missed several players we decided to try Ivan out during the practices. I like his mobility, dedication and focus. We talked several times in person, I explained him the situation. He is enthusiastic about his work for CSKA and deserves to be treated as any other our player. He is living his dream right now, he signed here after his team went bankrupt. Yes, the life is making some interesting turns, we don’t know much about scenarios that are written for us. Now he got great opportunity: Ivan is very mobile for his size, and now he has to work on his physical strength with our trainers. At the same time he has experience of playing for Triumph and Zenit. I am sure he will help us and we definitely will help him.
Ivan Lazarev, CSKA center:
Sincerely, I am shocked. The things were going so quick that I could not realize what’s going on. Just to appear on CSKA practices was unbelievable, the dream coming true. To sign the contract is a big honor and huge responsibility at the same time. I clearly understand that I was invited due to circumstances and with full roster it will be very difficult to get playing time. Still I have a unique chance to work under the guidance of great specialists, together with the best players in Europe. I want to use this chance 100 percent to improve my game, I will do my best to prove to the coaches that I am able to play on highest level.
