The departure of Russian center Kirill Elatontsev to the USA became one of the most discussed stories of the winter. A player with a valid long-term contract with Lokomotiv-Kuban suddenly appeared in the application of the University of Oklahoma and soon made his debut in the NCAA. This is an almost unprecedented case for Russian basketball. And for Kirill himself – a chance to start all over again.

A move that no one expected

Elatontsev, 23, was officially recruited by the Oklahoma Sooners, who expect him to quickly fit into the program.

— First of all, we are glad that Kirill is here, since a considerable distance has been covered. He will give us depth, which is extremely important. He’s older and has played against some really tough opponents, which will help us in conference games as well. In addition, he is skilled and has excellent instincts under the rim. “We are encouraged by his transition and are working to ensure that he quickly adapts to our program and system,” journalist Josh Callaway quotes Oklahoma coach Porter Moser as saying on his social media page.

Kirill Elatontsev / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vitaly Timkiv

Kirill’s debut took place immediately: on the night of December 30, Moscow time, he played 18 minutes in a match against Mississippi Valley State University. Oklahoma defeated the opponent with a score of 93:69, and the Russian scored 6 points and made 4 rebounds.

How it all started: from health problems to accusations of simulation

The formal conflict started on the night of November 8. Lokomotiv-Kuban reported that Kirill called an ambulance without notifying the medical headquarters. The examination – both at the club and in the clinic – did not reveal any serious problems, and hospitalization was not required. Lokomotiv-Kuban assessed the situation as a possible feigning of illness and a violation of discipline.

For the player, this was the first high-profile episode of the season, which he already missed due to problems with his foot. But in the fall there were rumors that the best young player in the VTB League in recent years was considering leaving for the NCAA. At the time it seemed frivolous. Now it’s reality.

The club’s reaction: “a dangerous precedent” and appeals to all authorities

After it became known that Elatontsev left Russia and signed up for the NCAA, Loko published a big statement. His key points:

The player has a valid contract until 2029, registered with the RFB.

The club called leaving without approval a gross violation of labor obligations.

History, according to the club, creates a dangerous precedent for Russian sports.

Official appeals and documents have been sent to the RFB, FIBA ​​and NCAA.

The case is being reviewed by the Player Status Commission and the National Center for Arbitration for Sports.

Kirill Elatontsev / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vitaly Timkiv

Separately, it was reported that the club contacted FIBA ​​to block Elatontsev’s transfer to teams under the auspices of the federation.

Loko emphasizes that investments in players cannot be “cancelled for the sake of short-term personal interests.” Essentially, the club is afraid that other young players will see Elatontsev’s departure as a path to going abroad, bypassing negotiations.

Legal background: claim to the military registration and enlistment office

Amid the basketball conflict, another layer of history has emerged. It turned out that Elatontsev filed a lawsuit against the Krasnodar military registration and enlistment office. He disputes the legality of the subpoena, which he says was issued while he was studying full-time. The document also mentions “misuse of budget funds” on the part of the department. It is difficult to say to what extent this episode is related to his departure to the United States, but it is obvious that the talented basketball player is mired in legal conflicts.

Kirill Elatontsev / Photo: © PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban

Elatontsev is at great risk by fleeing to the United States in violation of contractual obligations and not resolving issues with the military registration and enlistment office at home. It will be extremely difficult for him to build a successful career in the NBA, because it is too late to begin adapting to American basketball at 23 years old. Elatontsev has a chance to make a name for himself in the NCAA, get an overseas education and stay in the USA. But this story is unlikely to be associated with basketball at the highest level.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA regular season match.

The meeting took place in Los Angeles and ended with a score of 128:106 (36:30, 34:35, 26:23, 32:18) in favor of the guests.

The most productive player for the Lakers was Luka Doncic, who had a double-double of 30 points and 11 assists. LeBron James has 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. For Detroit, the best performance was shown by Cade Cunningham, who also had a double-double – 27 points and 11 assists.

Detroit is in first place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-8 record, while the Lakers (20-11) are fifth in the West.

In other matches, Philadelphia defeated Memphis in overtime (139:136), Boston defeated Utah (129:119), and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated Sacramento (131:90).