Career: CSK VVS-Samara (Russia-Superleague, 2004-05), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2005), CSK VVS-Samara (Russia-Superleague, 2005-07)
Nikita Shabalkin 2006-07 season was full of memorable moments. The 20-year-old was part of the first trade in Superleague history as CSKA Moscow sent the right of Shabalkin and Vladimir Dyachok to Khimki in exchange for Oscar Torres. On the European stage, Shabalkin ended his individual MVP-type EuroCup Challenge performance by leading his side, CSK VVS-Samara, to the title. Not bad at all for a 20-year old who only started to play organised basketball at the age of 12. Despite his recent good fortune, some still question Nikita’s mental toughness and ability to learn. A year and a half ago, he failed to succeed in Ettore Messina’s CSKA after graduating from the Army club juniors to the main team.
