Nikita is coming off the Army Men junior project where he played from 2002 to 2005. After winning gold and MVP title of U20 European Championship in Chekhov Kurbanov started his pro career on loan to Lokomotiv Rostov. He also played for Spartak, UNICS and Lokomotiv-Kuban but returned to CSKA three times (2005-08, 09-12, 15).
Kurbanov wore red and blue colors in 436 games (158 starts) in red-and-blue uniform averaging 4.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocked-shots in 14.6 minutes. The forward is now fourth in CSKA history in games played behind Victor Khryapa, Andrey Vorontsevich and JR Holden!
Nikita won the EuroLeague title twice with the Army Men, contributed to 9 Russian League and 5 VTB United League titles, he was named the VTB League Best Defender in 2017, played in the Russian SuperLeague (2007) and VTB League (2018) All-Star Games.
Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
Many years ago, while moving to Spartak St.Petersburg, Nikita promised that he will get back to CSKA stronger. I hear something like this quite often but Nikita proved that he is the man of his word. In few season he did get back being more strong, more powerful, more confident. Kurbanov does not slow down, he improves yearly on our team as well. He signed new contract today and that consequently added to our confidence. I wish Nikita not to stop, both in self-improvement and in his desire to win more team titles.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
We are proud that Nikita developed to franchise player in recent years, he contributed to the team success a lot. Definitely we are happy to have him for next several seasons. I wish him to stay healthy and determinted, to keep the same fire inside and desire to become better and help the team.
Nikita Kurbanov, CSKA forward:
I am very glad to stay on my native team. I am a Muscovite, I am coming from CSKA junior team, so it was always special for me to wear red and blue. I would like to thank the management and coaching staff for their trust in me. I will do everything possible to help the Army Men come to new big victories.
