One of famous twin brothers played outside the former USSR for two seasons only, taking stints in Real Madrid (2009-10) and Fenerbahce Ulker (2010-11). Before that he played in Lithuania (Alita – 1996-2003, Zalgiris – 2003-06) and Russia (UNICS – 2006-08, Dynamo – 2008-09). His collection includes Lithuanian League titles (2003-05) and Turkish League gold (2011), All-Euroleague Second Team election (2006) and 2007 Eurobasket bronze. His averages in 2010-11 Euroleague season are 8.0 points, 4.4. rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocked shots in 21.7 minutes. His averages in Turkish League are 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocked shots in 19.6 minutes.
Jonas Kazlauskas, CSKA head coach:
We were looking for the player who can play on two positions – 5 and 4. It’s good to have Khryapa and Vorontsevich at 4, but we experienced some problems defending against power forwards who are good in post-up play, for example, Loncar. We also had problems when we had one center left. Surely, we hope that newly signed Krstic will be ok. But you have to had reserve in the case of illness or injury. That’s why we needed the player who can help on two positions and we are glad to have Darjus Lavrinovic with us.
Darjus Lavrinovic:
I am glad to be in the club with rich history and highest goals. I will try to give all of myself, I will try to prove that I deserve to be a part of CSKA. Surely, I am happy to play under my compatriot Jonas Kazlauskas and alongside Ramunas Siskauskas. I know well the level of organization, and I had no doubts in taking the decision.
