April 15, 2011

Kazan's strength lies in their depth. There would be enough talent in those aforementioned 8 for most Eurocup teams, yet Kazan have more quality to add to that. Former Wizards draft pick Vladimir Veremeenko plays good minutes at the forward spots, used largely for rebounding and interior finishing, but sometimes able to turn in good defensive performances, and occasionally effective as a floor spacing big man. He is also a good passer of the ball, particularly when it comes to finding Maciej Lampe. Former Kings draft pick Ricky Minard provides the big and athletic slashing option from the wing, along with good defense, solid playmaking, and a mild outside shooting threat. And Slovenian Hasan Rizvic, while unable to play big minutes due to his constant foul problems, plays the best interior defense on the team, hustling and energetic, while also providing some interior finishing and pick-and-roll play. There's an option here for every occasion.

Read full article

April 9, 2010

- Ricky Minard

Since being drafted out of Morehead State by the Kings in 2004, failing to make their summer league roster that year, and a couple of months in the NBDL immediately afterwards, Minard has been in Italy. He played first for Biella, then spent two years with Reggio Emilia, and two more with Montegranaro, before moving to Lottomatica Roma this summer. However, it did not go too well. Roma underperformed both domestically and in the Euroleague, and so in spite of his Euroleague averages of 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, Roma released Minard. He subsequently signed in Russia, ending his Italian streak, and scored 14 points in 13 minutes in his only game so far for Khimky.

Read full article