Preview: «Astana» vs. «Lokomotiv-Kuban» 

A formidable opponent ahead

The regular season of the VTB United League continues, and this Sunday, «Astana» will host Krasnodar's «Lokomotiv,» currently sitting third in the league standings (9 wins, 3 losses), behind only CSKA and «Zenit.» Here's what to expect from this formidable opponent.

Defying the critics

One of the most talked-about stories in the offseason was the appointment of club president Andrey Vedischev as head coach of «Lokomotiv,» sparking widespread debate in sports media. Many skeptics claimed that the team’s chances were doomed and that the 2024/2025 season wouldn’t be worth following. The dismissal of Slovenian coach Alexander Sekulic was viewed by some as a disastrous move. However, these opinions were swiftly proven wrong when the season began, and the team from Krasnodar showcased impressive form. For someone with no prior coaching experience, Vedischev’s results have been phenomenal—securing nine straight wins to open the season. This achievement even surpassed the record held by «Avtodor» legend Vladimir Rodionov, who had seven consecutive wins as head coach.

The winning streak for «Lokomotiv» began with an 88-65 victory over «Enisey» and ended on October 27 in a nail-biting game against CSKA (91-92). They then suffered a loss to «Zenit» (71-77) and a disappointing defeat to «Parma» (79-81). In a post-game interview, Vedischev remarked that he had no regrets about the end of their winning streak, noting that such fortune would be more valuable during the playoffs in the spring.

Team play

Several key takeaways have emerged from «Lokomotiv’s» impressive start. First, the club management found an optimal blend of experienced international players and promising young Russian talent, an approach that’s not easy to execute. «Lokomotiv» has adhered to this philosophy for several years, creating a win-win situation for both team results and the development of basketball in Russia. Secondly, unlike last season, when Devion Akun-Purcell led the charge, this year’s squad under Vedischev lacks a single dominant player. The top scorers include Patrick Miller (14.2 points), Antonius Cleveland (11.9 points), and B.J. Johnson (11.1 points). Lastly, the team’s deep rotation could pose a challenge for their opponents. Players like Andrey Martyuk (18 minutes per game), Kirill Elatontsev (18 minutes), and Vladislav Emchenko (16 minutes) contribute significantly.

Head-to-head history

In VTB United League play, the teams have met 20 times, with «Lokomotiv» winning 14 games and «Astana» claiming victory in 6. In their previous encounter in the 2024/2025 season, «Lokomotiv» dominated with a score of 127-84.

Familiar faces in the opponent’s lineup?

Yes, this season, «Lokomotiv-Kuban» welcomed shooting guard Karvel Anderson, well-known to Kazakhstani fans. Last year, while playing for «Astana,» he logged significant court time (32 minutes per game), averaging 16.1 points and 2.8 assists.

Comment from Acting Head Coach of «Astana,
« Gleb Plotnikov: «Lokomotiv is the fastest team in the league. Their recent losses make them an even more formidable opponent, as they’ll arrive doubly motivated. First and foremost, we need to focus on our game, both offensively and defensively, and do everything in our power to put up a strong fight.»

Match details:

Teams: Astana vs. Lokomotiv-Kuban
Date and Time: November 10, 16:00
Venue: Astana, Saryarka Velodrome
Broadcast: PBK «Astana» website and VTB United League website