The Nizhnevartovsk native started his pro career with Avtodor Saratov in 2008-09 season, spent the year on loan in Tambov, went to Nizhny Novgorod in 2010 and played there since now. In 2014 his team played in the VTB League Finals, made its debut in Euroleague and jumped to the Top 16. Antonov averaged 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.6 blocked shots in 25.6 minutes.
Semen’s last season averages are: 13.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocked shots in 28.3 minutes of 18 Eurocup games; 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 1.0 blocked shots in 32 VTB United League games.
Antonov is also a Russian National Team player, he won 2011 Eurobasket bronze and 2012 Olympic bronze with the team.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Probably it is not a revealing of the secret if I say we that wanted Antonov before my first year with CSKA. He is mature player, family guy, he has good character and high standards in his everyday work. Semen is in the age when we can expect the best out of him, his versatility to cover both 3 and 4 positions is very important as he is able to give us size as a small forward and tough competition as a power forward. We talked personally and I explained him what CSKA is about. He is ready to accept any role provided by the coaches and give his best effort for team success. We welcome Semen in CSKA family; we are looking forward to work together.
Semen Antonov, CSKA forward:
Thank you to both Nizhny Novgorod and CSKA for the move that was smooth, family-like. Thank you to Nizhny for 6 amazing years. I am glad to make a step forwardin my career. If CSKA invited me, it means that I proved it with my game. My task now is to satisfy the expectations.