Career: Budivelnik Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague, 1997-98), Alita Ayltus (Lithuania-LKL, 1998-1999), BC Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague, 1999-2000), Los Angeles Lakers (2000-05)

Since the legendary Alexander Volkov retired and as fellow countryman Vitaly Potapenko (Sonics) doesn’t want to play with the national team, Slava Medvedenko is the true star of Ukraine... After playing in Budivelnik and BC Kyiv as well as in Lithuania, this big guy with the soft outside shot was spotted by the Los Angeles Lakers while playing in the Summer Pro League in Long Beach with the national team. To the surprise of many, he signed a contract with the NBA champion in the summer of 2000 and went on to win two championship rings. He had a career season in 2003-04 averaging 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds. This translated into a two year six million dollar contract signed last summer... Unfortunately for Slava, trades and injuries took away playing time this year.