Reigning EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov is readying for his first game in the NBA after joining the Sacramento Kings squad this summer.
Vezenkov, 28, was born in Nicosia to Bulgarian parents and lived in the capital until the age of 14 when he secured a transfer from Apoel to Aris Thessaloniki in Greece. After four years in the Greek basketball league, he moved to Spain for FC Barcelona where he remained until 2018.
The 28-year-old power forward had originally been drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 but opted to continue his career in Europe, most recently playing for Olympiacos. After a series of trade transactions, the Kings secured his draft rights during the summer of 2022 and successfully convinced the 6-foot-9 stretch forward to join their ranks.
During the Kings’ media day yesterday in anticipation of the new NBA season, Vezenkov’s teammates were effusive in their praise for his exceptional shooting skills. Kevin Huerter remarked on Vezenkov’s pinpoint accuracy, noting that he shattered all the offseason shooting records right from the start. Rising star De’Aaron Fox also chimed in, describing Vezenkov as one of the best players in the world.
Back in May, head coach Mike Brown had expressed his admiration for Vezenkov, emphasizing how well he fits into the team’s playing style. Brown highlighted Vezenkov’s three-point shooting ability, size, toughness, and rebounding skills as valuable assets that align perfectly with their brand of basketball. He envisioned Vezenkov as a potentially highly effective player in the NBA.
Vezenkov himself shared his thoughts on his new home, referring to it as a “big village.” He appreciated the familial atmosphere within the Kings and spoke highly of his teammates, characterising them as “good human beings.” These factors played a pivotal role in his decision to make the transition to the NBA after six years in Europe.
Kings fans have reason to be excited as they anticipate Vezenkov’s debut. The Kings’ preseason kicks off on October 8 against the Toronto Raptors, and the official NBA season gets underway on October 25 when they face the Utah Jazz.
Vezenkov’s father, Sasho, is also a former international basketball player, who played at EuroBasket 1985, EuroBasket 1989, and EuroBasket 1991. Sasho was also the captain of the senior men’s Bulgarian national basketball team. Sasho moved to Cyprus, and he played and coached basketball there in the Cypriot Basketball League for many years.
Vezenkov’s older sister, Michaela Vezenkova, also played professionally in the Cypriot women’s league. She decided to represent Cyprus, rather than Bulgaria, eventually becoming the captain of the Cypriot women’s national basketball team.
(Photo: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports)
