Career: Pulkovo St. Petersburg (Russia-4th division, 2001-2002), Conti St. Petersburg (Russia-Superleague B, 2002-04), Spartak St. Petersburg (Russia-Superleague, 2004-06), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2006-07)

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Probably, the most talented Russian play-maker in years, Anton Ponkrashov is already known as “the Russian Papaloukas” thanks to his exceptional combination of size and court vision. Though impressive, it’s not his only complimentary nickname. Anton was nicknamed “Baryshnikov” by CSKA’s coach Ettore Messina for his “ballet” style of perimeter defense against Benetton’s Marco Mordente when the Italian sank two threes in row in Ponkrashov’s face. Because of his inconsistency and aloofness, you never know what type of performance Ponkrashov will come up with from game to game. In his first year at CSKA, Ponkrashov he didn’t fully live up to the high expectations as he settled in as the fourth option at the point guard spot and spent much of his time as an off-guard. Nevertheless, the St. Petersburg born Ponkrashov remains an extremely clever creator and has a great future ahead of him.