By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow signed Ron Baker to a one-year contract, the Russian side announced on Thursday. Eurohoops previously reported on CSKA’s interest to add the 26-year-old American guard. “I am excited for this new opportunity CSKA has given me” he mentioned upon formalizing his transfer to the Russian team.
The Wichita State alumni was between a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets and a deal with the EuroLeague champions, Eurohoops reported a couple of weeks ago. He ultimately went with the second option to move overseas for the first time.
“After speaking with head coach Dimitris and team captain Kyle Hines, I see myself fitting in with what CSKA is about” Baker pointed out and explained: “Their day-to-day culture and achievements on the court were what I was looking for in a franchise during this summer free agency.”
The new CSKA player did not make the cut in the 2016 NBA draft, but took part in 96 NBA matches, 92 with the New York Knicks and 4 with the Washington Wizards. He was a free agent since early January.
He became the second player to move straight from the NBA to the EuroLeague champions this summer after Kostas Koufos. CSKA has added Janis Strelnieks, Darrun Hilliard and Johannes Voigtmann as well, re-signed Hines, Will Clyburn and Semen Antonov.
“I am looking forward to working together with Ron” Itoudis said and added: “I would like to note also that our team is not full so far, we plan to sign one more player soon to close out our summer campaign.”