Sam Dekker became a Loko player!

Lokomotiv Kuban signs a 1-year contract with an American forward Samuel Dekker. Last season, Sam Dekker played for NBA clubs Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards.

Sam Dekker played college basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers, which in 2015 reached the NCAA finals. Than same summer, in the NBA draft, he was selected by the Houston Rockets in the first round under number 18.

Last season, Dekker played 9 matches for the Cleveland Cavaliers with stats 18.8 minutes, 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.2 steals, and in 38 matches for the Washington Wizards – 16.3 minutes, 6.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 steals.

We are very pleased that Sam Dekker has joined Loko. His decision demonstrates that this talented player is ready for new challenges in European basketball. NBA players have already shown an excellent game in Krasnodar in past years, and Dekker has a chance to continue the tradition. Sam is a very variable basketball player who will help us on both halves of the court thanks to his energy and diverse skills.

Luca Banchi, head couch of PBC Lokomotiv Kuban

Our strategy is to sign players who are in their prime, hungry for big wins and strive to prove a lot in big basketball. Sam Decker has been showing serious levels in the NBA for several years. From conversations with him, we were convinced that he is full of ambition and doesn't intend to reduce the level of motivation. Dekker is a generalist who is able to close several positions, and we are pleased with this acquisition.

Ginas Rutkauskas, vice president of PBC Lokomotiv Kuban

I’m very excited to be a part of Loko and the city of Krasnodar! I look forward to meeting my teammates, coaching staff, and the great Loko fans. We will have a very competitive team this year and I’m blessed to be a part of a great organization. I’m confident we’ll have a successful year and I’m ready to make this next step for my career.

Samuel Dekker, forward of PBC Lokomotiv Kuban