By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow activated its option to release Kosta Koufos, the Russian outlet announced on Wednesday.
Per CSKA: “Our club used the contract option to part ways with center Kosta Koufos.
Koufos decided to debut in European club basketball after 11 years in the NBA with 5 different teams, he signed with CSKA in July of 2019. For our team he played in 17 EuroLeague games (3,7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.5 steals, 0.4 blocked shots, 9.5 minutes) and 10 VTB United League games (8.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 blocked shots, 15.6 minutes).”
The Greek center inked a two-year contract last summer. His first club move to Europe featured 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per Turkish Airlines EuroLeague appearance over 17 matches, and 8.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per VTB United League contest. Both competitions were prematurely ended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Unfortunately, the injury suffered during the preseason together with lack of experience in European club basketball did not allow Kosta to catch the rhythm and take his rotation spot immediately,” said CSKA president, Andrey Vatutin, “Still the margin of natural optimism, skill of working with the team, amazing hard-working ethics allowed him to show his high level in many games of the season. I sincerely wish Kosta success in his future career.”
The former Ohio State standout was selected 23rd in the 2008 NBA draft. Koufos went on to play 11 NBA seasons and competing in 723 games between the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings, before moving to the EuroLeague.
Ron Baker was also released by CSKA earlier Wednesday.