Anton Ponomarev announced the end of his professional career

It is not easy to announce such news: Anton Ponomarev, one of Astana leaders, undoubtedly one of the best and most talented players in the history of Kazakhstan basketball, has finished his professional career.

Anton began his outstanding career in 2002 in «Astana Tigers». In 2009, he was nominated for the NBA draft, in 2010 he played for the Belgrade club «FMP», then spent part of the season in the Russian team «Spartak» Primorye. After the foundation of PBC «Astana» in 2011, he began to play for the capital club. Overall, Anton spent 145 matches in the VTB league and 38 matches for the men's National team.

Anton commented on his decision:

«The reason for my decision is injuries, which recently have been bothering me often. I believe that I had a bright career in basketball. This year marks exactly 20 years from the time I started to play this sport. I'm finishing my career, but basketball, in any case, remains my favorite game. I still will be a loyal fan of our team «Astana».This decision has not come easily for me, I thought it over for a long time. I began to have such thoughts since the last season. After the end of the season, I still kept thinking that I would play another year, but now I decided that it is about time to finish. The biggest advantage in this that I will have more time for the family and children. Each season was not easy for my family: constant trips and injuries were causes for worry and anxiety for them. In such a way, I will devote my time only to the family, and there are already some ideas , what I will do after my basketball career, but it will be put off for a while.

We had a discussion with Valeriy Alexeyevich Tikhonenko, he listened to me and supported my decision. We stayed on good terms, which is very important for me. I am very grateful to him. Also, I want to thank a man who was as a father to me, he made me a basketball player, this is Strebkov Vitaliy Vladimirovich. Without him, I would not have succeeded in basketball. Of course, I want to thank my closest partner, my brother, my colleague, the permanent cap Rustam Ergali. With him we went through thick and thin, and to all of my friends, basketball players, they are like brothers to me , I have so much common with them, I want to say thank you! Of course, I express my gratitude to all the club's staff. I would also like to express my regards to all our fans, people who love basketball, love our club, support our team!”