Armenia is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and centuries-old history. Although not many people know it, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the country. Armenians have been playing basketball for over 100 years, and the country has produced some notable players who have made a mark in the international basketball scene.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most successful Armenian basketball players and their journeys to stardom. From Olympic champions to NBA players, we’ll explore their stories and what makes them stand out in the world of basketball. So, let’s dive in and discover the top Armenian basketball players who have left a lasting impact on the game.
Brief History of Armenian Basketball
Armenian basketball players have a rich history in the sport, dating back to the early 20th century. The first Armenian basketball team was founded in 1919 in Cairo, Egypt, and was made up of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian genocide. From there, the sport gained popularity in the Armenian community and spread around the world, with Armenian basketball players showing impressive talent and skill on and off the court.
In fact, several notable NBA players have Armenian heritage, including Klay Thompson and the Gasol brothers. Today, Armenian basketball continues to thrive with a number of talented players on both domestic and international teams. With a strong sense of pride and determination, Armenian basketball players showcase their skills on the court and represent their country with great distinction and honor.
Armenia’s Basketball Federation and National Team
Armenia’s basketball federation was established in 1992, following the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. Since then, the federation has been working to develop the sport within the country, with a focus on youth development. The national team’s success has been limited, but it has competed in several international tournaments, including the FIBA EuroBasket.
The team’s best performance to date was reaching the quarterfinals of the 2011 FIBA EuroBasket. Despite the lack of success, basketball remains popular in Armenia, with many young players dreaming of representing their country on the international stage. The federation continues to work to improve its national team and develop the sport, but it faces challenges due to limited resources and facilities.
Nonetheless, Armenia’s basketball community remains passionate, and there is hope that the country will produce top-level players in the future.
Armenian Players in Major Leagues
Armenian basketball players may not be as widely represented as some of their European counterparts, but they’ve certainly made their mark both on American courts and in European leagues. A forbear to this success was undoubtedly the efforts of former Armenian Basketball Federation (ABF) president, Ret. General Andranik Baghdasarian.
Games of basketball were played in Armenia since the early 1900s but the game didn’t gain widespread popularity until 90’s. After the famous Soviet 1991 breakup, the newly formed Armenian Basketball Federation became a candidate member of FIBA in 1992 quickly followed by FIBA Europe in 1993 – thus, becoming a full member of FIBA in 199 Stepan Shakarian was the first player born in Armenia to play in an NBA game, signing with the Milwaukee Bucks in 197
He was followed by Zarko Paspalj, who played three seasons in the NBA in the late 80s and early 90s. Fast-forward to modern times, Monta Ellis who has Armenian heritage, was a pro NBA star with Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Another standout is Spanish basketball player, Juan Carlos Navarro, named the FIBA Europe Player of the Year in 2009, who is of Armenian origin on his mother’s side.
Moreover, former LA Lakers coach, and current head coach for the New York Knicks, Mike D’Antoni, has Armenian roots on his father’s side and is a devout promoter of Armenian basketball. All in all, Armenian basketball players are a proud representation of their heritage and an inspiration to many aspiring Armenian athletes across the globe.
Top Armenian Basketball Players
Armenian basketball has come a long way, thanks to the prowess of its talented basketball players who have put their country on the world map. Most notably, the reigning king of Armenian basketball is undoubtedly Kyle Hines, who has been a rising star in the European league for several years now. Hines, who played for CSKA Moscow, earned several personal accolades and team championships, cementing his place as one of the top Armenian basketball players of all time.
Another notable player is Arsen Ilyasov, whose impressive form on the court earned him a spot on the Armenian national team. Ilyasov, who is known for his defensive prowess, has also spent time playing in the European league. Finally, a player who has impressed during his brief stint in professional basketball is Haik Hovsepian, who holds the record for the highest number of points ever scored by an Armenian player.
Despite these notable players, the Armenian basketball scene is rapidly growing, and we are likely to see many future stars emerging in the years to come.
1. Arsen Ilyasov
When it comes to Armenian basketball, one name that immediately comes to mind is Arsen Ilyasov. Born in 1987, Ilyasov is a professional Armenian basketball player who has made waves in both the domestic and international basketball scene. Standing at 6’8″, he is known for his impressive athleticism and ability to play both as a center and a power forward.
Ilyasov first gained recognition in 2005 when he won the Armenian Basketball league championship with his team, Rentap Yerevan. Since then, he has played for numerous teams in Europe and Asia, including the Russian team, BC Samara, the Turkish team, Galatasaray, and the Japanese team, Shiga Lakestars. What sets Ilyasov apart from other Armenian basketball players is his impressive track record in international competitions.
He has represented the Armenian national basketball team in numerous FIBA EuroBasket championships and has proven himself to be one of the team’s top scorers. Despite his success on the court, Ilyasov remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He has spoken openly about the challenges he has faced as an Armenian basketball player and has used his platform to promote the growth of basketball in Armenia.
Overall, Armen Ilyasov is a shining example of excellence in Armenian basketball. His dedication and hard work have propelled him to the top of the sport, and he continues to be a role model for aspiring Armenian basketball players everywhere.
2. Zareh Zargaryan
One of the top Armenian basketball players of all time is Zareh Zargaryan. Zargaryan was born on May 5, 1979, in Yerevan, Armenia, and started playing basketball at a young age. He quickly progressed and joined professional teams in Europe, including Russia and France.
Zargaryan’s height of 6’8″ gave him an advantage on the court, alongside his excellent shooting and rebounding skills. One of his greatest achievements was leading the Armenian national team to its first-ever win in European Championship qualification matches in 2010, scoring 25 points. Zargaryan’s basketball career ended in 2018 when he retired from playing professional basketball.
He now works as a coach for various basketball teams, coaching and inspiring the next generation of Armenian basketball players.
3. Grigor Arakelyan
Armenian basketball When it comes to Armenian basketball players, Grigor Arakelyan is a name that comes up frequently. He has been playing professionally for decades and has made a name for himself both in Armenia and internationally. Arakelyan is known for his exceptional shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc.
He has played for a number of teams over the years, including Ararat Yerevan, APOEL Nicosia, and Radnicki Kragujevac. In addition to his success on the court, Arakelyan has also been recognized for his leadership and dedication to the sport. He has been a role model for young Armenian basketball players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve success.
As one of the top Armenian basketball players of all time, Grigor Arakelyan’s contributions to the sport will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Future of Armenian Basketball
Armenian basketball players have a bright future ahead of them as more and more talent is being discovered and nurtured in the country. With the recent success of the Armenian National Basketball Team, there is a renewed interest and investment in the sport. Many Armenian players have found success in professional leagues both domestically and internationally, with some even being scouted by NBA teams.
With the growing infrastructure and support for the sport in Armenia, it is only a matter of time before we see more Armenians making waves in the world of basketball. The passion and dedication of these players, coupled with their skill and talent, make for a promising future for Armenian basketball.
Investment in Youth Programs
Investment in youth programs is crucial for the future of Armenian basketball. Providing access to proper training and resources for young athletes can greatly improve their skills and overall success in the sport. Through various programs and initiatives, we can encourage the development of a strong basketball community within Armenia and attract more young people to the sport.
This investment not only benefits individual athletes but also benefits the country as a whole by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and even potentially producing talented players for national teams. By fostering a love for basketball in the youth of Armenia, we can ensure a bright future for the sport and its athletes. Let’s make a commitment to investing in our young athletes and building a stronger basketball community in Armenia.
Upcoming Talent in Armenian Basketball
The future of Armenian basketball looks bright with the emergence of several talented young players who are making a name for themselves both at home and abroad. One such player is Garnik Gyulnazaryan, a 19-year-old shooting guard who recently signed a professional contract with BC Ararat Moscow in Russia’s second division. Another rising star is Andre Spight, who was born in the United States but is of Armenian descent.
Spight played college basketball at the University of Northern Colorado and is currently playing professionally in Europe. With players like Gyulnazaryan and Spight leading the way, it’s only a matter of time before Armenia’s national team becomes a force to be reckoned with in international competitions. It’s an exciting time for fans of Armenian basketball, and the future looks very promising indeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armenian basketball players may not be as well-known as their counterparts from other countries, but they definitely have the talent and passion for the game. From tragic heroes like Armenak Alachachian to rising stars like Hayk Gyokchyan, these players have made their mark on the sport with their determination and skill. So next time you watch a basketball game, keep an eye out for any Armenian players on the court – they just might surprise you with their talent and tenacity!”
FAQs
Who are some famous Armenian basketball players?
Some famous Armenian basketball players include: Armen Gilliam, George Zidek, and Russell Hicks.
Have any Armenian basketball players played in the NBA?
Yes, Armen Gilliam and George Zidek both played in the NBA.
Is basketball a popular sport in Armenia?
While basketball is not as popular as soccer or chess, it is still widely played in Armenia and has a growing fan base.
Are there any Armenian basketball leagues or teams?
Yes, the Armenian Basketball League was founded in 2002 and features teams from throughout the country. The Armenian national basketball team also competes internationally.