Wolves’ Kirlienko named European Player of the Year
Published 2:29 am Tuesday, February 19, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – The International Basketball Federation named Timberwolves’ forward Andrei Kirilenko its 2012 International Basketball Association Mens’ Player of the Year, according to a press release.
Kirilenko wins the award for the second time in his career, having done so previously in 2007.
Kirilenko, 31, spent last season in Russia playing for CSKA-Moscow, where he led his team to the Euroleague Final, a league championship and a first-place finish in Russia’s domestic league. In 17 Euroleague games, Kirilenko averaged 14.1 points on .598 shooting, to go along with 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.9 blocks.
Before signing with the Timberwolves this summer, Kirilenko led Russia to the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in men’s basketball.