Avtodor is one of the veterans of the VTB United League. The Saratov team has been participating in the championship since the 2014/2015 season, but it does not always please its fans with good results.
For example, last season the club started with a 2-7 record and has changed a total of five coaches since the summer of 2022. A series of losses was followed by several victories, and then everything repeated itself in a circle.
However, it looks like the team has chosen the right direction vector and, for the first time in a long time, may not be in the turbulence zone.
“Championship” prepared material about what has changed in the club and whether the Saratov residents have a real chance of success.
What is Avtodor like as an organization?
President of BC Avtodor Vladimir Rodionov
Photo: BC Avtodor
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story. As such, a professional basketball club under the name “Spartak” was created in Saratov in 1960. Then there was Avtodorozhnik and, since 1996, Avtodor.
For more than 40 years, with a short break, Vladimir Evstafievich Rodionov was present in the organization, who first served as head coach, and then, to this day, as president of the club.
Almost all the time, at least since the mid-90s, there has been more news on the team about budget deficits than about sporting achievements. The media and Vladimir Rodionov himself scared the fans by moving the team to another region, in particular, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, Samara, the Moscow Region and Rostov were called up.
As a result, in 2004 Rodionov moved the main team, which was called Dynamo, to St. Petersburg. David Blatt was invited to the club and then they even won the Challenge Cup, the third most important European tournament under the auspices of FIBA. However, the team lasted only two years and was disbanded due to budget constraints.
De jure Avtodor did not cease to exist. After Rodionov moved to St. Petersburg, the Saratov Club was voluntarily relegated to Super League B. The organization, among thorns, passed the test of the lower leagues and 10 years later became a member of the VTB United League.
And yet, Avtodor is known not only for its budget problems, but also for the fact that many Russian basketball stars began their professional careers in the team. In particular, Evgeny and Zakhar Pashutin, Victor Khryapa, Sergey Monya, Vladimir Veremeenko, Semyon Antonov, Artyom Klimenko, Nikita Mikhailovsky and others.
Our days
Rayshawn Hammonds and Dominic Mavra
Photo: BC Avtodor
Until now, all decisions in the club are made by 76-year-old Rodionov. Local media describe him as a very emotional but also trusting person, and he often overestimates the people he interacts with. Perhaps this is precisely what is related to the jump as a coach at Avtodor.
Rodionov is known for changing coaches frequently. Fingers crossed: in July 2022, Avtodor announces the appointment of Serbian Nebojsa Vidic. Rodionov, commenting on the signing of the specialist, said that the coach knows how to work with young players, which the team really needs, and also expressed hope for a successful season. However, two and a half months later, even before the start of the season, the Club announced the departure of the specialist. In his place came Milos Pavicevic, who worked with the team for two months, after which he was fired. His place was taken by Darko Russo, but he worked the same time as Vidic: two and a half months. Branislav Vicentic became the new coach of the Saratov team and survived until the end of the season, while he led the team to the playoffs. But he did not stay at Avtodor and was fired after being eliminated by CSKA in the first round.
In June 2023, Milenko Bogicevic was appointed, who, surprisingly, is still working. Although just a month ago it seemed that his dismissal was imminent. The Saratov team began the season with six defeats in seven games and there were no prospects for improving the situation on the horizon. However, there were three wins in November and the team is now 4-9.
Can the team make any serious claims?
Head coach of BC Avtodor Milenko Bogichevich
Photo: BC Samara
Bogicevic’s work is visible to the naked eye. Avtodor offers its opponents tough basketball, with a large number of positional attacks and at the same time with good defense. Despite major roster changes this offseason, the current rookies are an important part of Bogicevic’s system. However, the Saratov team had to get rid of Kyle Viñales, who became the team’s leader and the most productive player in the first games of the season. The media wrote that this was due to the basketball player’s lack of desire to play defense and his difficult character.
In fact, it is difficult to make predictions about Avtodor or give progress. Another decision by Rodionov to fire the coach and everything will start again. Therefore, the first thing we need to do is let Bogicevic work with the team as much as possible. He is still getting used to the championship and the players, who are certainly progressing with him. And this is one of the most important indicators. All teams lose, but some do so completely toothless. At the moment, it’s definitely not about Avtodor Bogicevic.
THE NAIS IS OFFICIAL EDITOR ON NAIS NEWS