May 22, 2012
CSKA keeps two-time champ J.R. Holden
J. R. Holden - CSKA Moscow - Final Four Berlin 2009One of the most accomplished players in Euroleague history, point guard J.R. Holden, is returning to CSKA Moscow for a chance to continue their unparalleled run of success together. Holden (185, 32) shares the European record for most consecutive Final Four appearances with seven, covering each season since 2002-03, when he arrived in Moscow. His new two-year contract will stretch Holden's stay in Moscow to nine seasons, during which time he and CSKA have won the Euroleague title twice and missed repeating twice by 2 points each time. Holden was as steady as ever last season for the Russian champs, averaging 7.9 points and 3.4 assists in 16 Euroleague games, despite missing five games with a finger injury. Holden produced 14 points and 4 assists – both team highs – in the Euroleague title game against Panathinaikos. Holden is ranked among the Euroleague career leaders in scoring (fifth, 2,108), assists (third, 536), steals (fifth, 219) and three-pointers made (second, 321). Before joining CKSA, Holden had played for AEK Athens in Greece, Oostende in Belgium and ASK Riga in Latvia.

"I really just wanted to say thank you to the club's management," Holden said after signing. "CSKA is doing everything possible to make Moscow my second home. It feels like we go back to day one. I am really happy to be back and excited about the new team. It's like a fresh start and I think we have the potential to do great things. There is always pressure to win, but that is a good thing. We deserve to have a little pressure and I think this will be a fun, exciting new start to a new era at CSKA."

"It's not a secret that signing a new contract with J was one of our offseason priorities," CSKA CEO Andrey Vatutin said. "With Holden we have not only a first-class player, two-time Euroleague champion and Eurobasket champion, but we guaranteed ourselves inter-generational continuity. I am sure that even with his great experience and rich resume, J still has a thirst to win, keeps novelty of feelings, highest professionalism and desire to stay in perfect shape. Besides, his desire to stay in CSKA after seven seasons in red-and-blue makes me feel proud and respectful."
Monday, July 06, 2009
Euroleague.net
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