Filipp Gafurov Reflects on Euroleague Absence and CSKA’s Goals in the VTB United League
Forward Filipp Gafurov, who plays for PBC CSKA and the Russian national team, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Legalbet. He admitted that he misses the Euroleague and the distinctive atmosphere of European basketball. He noted that returning to that arena would be thrilling, even as competition in the VTB United League remains intense and demanding.
Gafurov emphasized that motivation is not lacking simply because the Euroleague is not on the program at the moment. He explained that the team remains focused on winning the VTB United League and treats each match as a step toward that broader objective. The forward underscored the high level of competition within the league, pointing out that there are no easy games and that every opponent is capable of challenging CSKA. The squad is meticulously preparing for every contest with the same seriousness and drive that characterize their pursuit of league success.
The Euroleague has a long history with CSKA, including eight titles in its annals. The last triumph by the Moscow team in the European club competition dates back to 2019. In March 2022, the Euroleague suspended participation by Russian clubs, a decision that counted as technical defeats for unplayed matches and reshaped the European basketball landscape for CSKA and its rivals.
Within CSKA, Nikita Kurbanov was once the club’s all-time appearance leader, a record that stood as a benchmark for longevity and consistency. His standing remains a notable chapter in the club’s storied history, even as the current squad looks ahead to new achievements and the evolving realities of international competition.
Gafurov’s reflections highlight a broader narrative in European basketball where teams navigate shifts in competition formats and league structures while maintaining a strong drive to excel on domestic fronts. For CSKA, the challenge is twofold: sustain excellence in the VTB United League and preserve a pathway back to prominent European stages when opportunities arise. This balance requires strategic planning, rigorous conditioning, and a culture that prizes resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of victory across every venue and opponent.
As CSKA continues its campaign in Russia’s premier league, the team’s leadership and players remain candid about their ambitions. The motivation to win the VTB United League persists, reinforced by a clear-eyed assessment of the league’s competitiveness and the sense of pride in contributing to a club with a historic European footprint. In this environment, Gafurov and his teammates view each game as a platform to demonstrate their growth, reaffirm their identity as top-level competitors, and position the club for future chapters in European basketball when the opportunity arises.
Beyond the on-court battles, the conversation surrounding CSKA’s European prospects touches on the broader implications for Russian basketball on the continental stage. The club’s legacy in the Euroleague remains a benchmark for excellence, and players like Gafurov acknowledge the emotional and strategic significance of that legacy while focusing on the present challenge: conquering the VTB United League and building momentum for potential European competition in the years ahead.