Team 2008-09: Lukoil Academic Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL).
Career: Academic Sofia (Bulgaria-Pro A, 1997-2004), MBC Odessa (Ukraine-Superleague, 2004-05), Beykozspor (Turkey-D1, 2005-06), Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A2, 2006-07), PBC Lukoil Academic Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL, 2007-08)

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With the arrival of the Ivanov twins, Banev's role with the national team is more limited than ever. With his solid build (115 kg), Banev isn't what you would call a "finesse player", but he gets the job done. Bruising screens and aggressive rebounding on both ends of the floor are his specialty. After three seasons away from Bulgaria, he came back to Academic Sofia, his former team, in 2007. With this club, he won his 4th national title this season. Without making too much noise, he still managed to be his regular effective self: 7.2 points per game on 62% shooting and 6.3 rebounds per contest in less than 20 minutes. His 2.10 m height and large frame should come in handy to slow the opposing big men down.