CSKA Moscow guard Theodoros Papaloukas has been named the best player in the Russia Superleague for February by the Sport-Express newspaper.

Papaloukas, part of CSKA's last two National Championship-winning rosters, said he wasn't surprised by his selection, although he conceded that Australia's David Andersen and US guard Marcus Brown also played well last month.

"I really played well in February," he said to Sport Express.

"In my opinion, I was of some use to the team, so I wasn't suprised by your choice. Moreover, some my team-mates told me that I would probably become the best player of the month."

Papaloukas, a member of the Greece team at the Athens Olympics, said he was not worried when CSKA Moscow coach Dusan Ivkovic left him on the bench for the Superleague games against Samara on February 12 and UNICS Kazan on February 16.

"I knew about that before," said Papaloukas.

"It's part of the special players' preparation programme made to minimise the risk of getting injury.

"Every CSKA player knows that from time to time he will be out of the squad for the Russian Superleague games. 

"Believe me, everything is thought through in the team. 

"We accept any of Ivkovic's decisions as we have no doubt all our head coach wants to do is benefit CSKA and help to win games."

Ivkovic recently told PA International: "I think Papaloukas is the best sixth player in Europe. He can react to different situations."