A special night for two Astana players as they made their VTB United League debuts!
Valery Simonov spent 8 and a half minutes on the court but could not record any points, despite attempting a mid-range shot and a three-pointer.
The Astana small forward shared his thoughts on his first game at this level:
«My debut went well. I got some playing time and really tried to contribute. I had a couple of chances to score, but luck wasn’t on my side this time. The emotions from my first VTB League game are overwhelmingly positive. I’m thrilled to have debuted in such a prestigious league—especially against the most decorated club, CSKA. The VTB League and the National League are on completely different levels—the game moves at a much faster pace, decisions have to be made in an instant, and any mistake is quickly capitalized on. The competition is tougher, and the players are more skilled and experienced.»
Meanwhile, Ilya Pestov saw nearly 11 minutes (10:44) of action and made the most of it, finishing with 4 points, 3 steals, and 1 rebound—an impressive start and a promising sign for the future!
The Astana small forward also reflected on his debut against CSKA:
«Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a win, but on a personal level, my debut was an incredible experience. The emotions were beyond words. Playing in such an arena and facing a team like CSKA was truly unforgettable. I always relish the opportunity to compete against top-tier opponents. The VTB United League is on a completely different level compared to the National League—players here are much more prepared, both mentally and physically.»
Congratulations to both players on their debut! The first steps in the league have been taken.
