RUS - Khryapa named Best Defender in Euroleague

MOSCOW (Euroleague) - Dimitris Diamantidis' five-year run as winner of the Euroleague's Best Defender Trophy has come to an end with CSKA Moscow's tough-as-nails talisman Viktor Khryapa capturing the honor this season.

Khryapa has led the Russian giants back to the Final Four for the eighth year in a row.

"I am happy to receive this award," said Khryapa, who will represent Russia at the FIBA World Championship this summer.

"On one side, I am surprised to be voted by the head coaches, and on the other side, I think that my game is built on defense, so I am glad to see the recognition of that.

"I’d like to mention that CSKA was always known for great team defense and this prize is just another acknowledgment of that."

Khryapa did not just help CSKA win games with his defense this season.

In the very first Euroleague contest in 2009-10 for CSKA, the Russians were headed for defeat at Maroussi in Athens when Khryapa beat the final buzzer with a game-winning three-pointer.

The next highest vote-getters in a very close race to the Best Defender Trophy were Barcelona playmaker Ricky Rubio and Panathinaikos star Diamantidis.

Rubio (Spain) and Diamantidis (Greece) will also be at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

FIBA