Team 2008-09: CSKA Moscow Career: Khimik Engels (Russia-Superleague B, 1999), Avtodor Saratov (Russia-Superleague, 1999-02), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2002-04), Portland Trailblazers (USA-NBA, 2004-06), Chicago Bulls (USA-NBA, 2006-08), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2008-09)
David Blatt was impressed with Viktor Khryapa's last season as he has said in an interview for Sport-Express. "He had an outstanding season and became an indispensable player for CSKA. He became a real team leader both in defence and attack. I really enjoyed his basketball disciplined, devoted and diverse. I hope Viktor will become more of a ringleader in the team than he used to be before." In the absence of Andrei Kirilenko and J.R. Holden, it's not a secret that he will have to step up during the EuroBasket. Khryapa has already been a very valuable player since 2003, but his lack of consistency was a weakness. However Viktor has many strong points, as he's a very versatile player. He actually looks like Kirilenko as a player. On the defensive end, he's able to block or stop his opponent in one-on-one situations. On the other side of the court, he can do it all: shoot, drive and pass. He's also very athletic, like his closest friend Sergey Monya whom he played with at Avtodor Saratov where the two were nicknamed "Khryapomon". |