Why is Andrei Kirilenko called AK-47?
Andrei Kirilenko earned the nickname AK-47 because his initials are A.K., he wore the number 47 on his jersey, and the AK-47 rifle was first manufactured in Izhevsk, the Russian city where he was born.
Questions about Andrei Kirilenko
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What NBA team did Andrei Kirilenko play for the longest?
Kirilenko played for the Utah Jazz for 10 seasons, from 2001 to 2011, the longest tenure of his NBA career. He was selected by the Jazz with the 24th pick of the 1999 NBA draft.
What records did Andrei Kirilenko set in the NBA?
Kirilenko became the first Russian player ever selected in the first round of an NBA draft and was the youngest European player chosen in the draft at that time. On the 3rd of January 2006 he recorded the first regulation 5x6 statistical line in NBA history, with at least 6 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 blocks, and 6 steals in a single game. He also led the league in blocked shots per game in the 2004-05 season despite playing only 41 games.
What did Andrei Kirilenko win at EuroBasket 2007?
Kirilenko won the gold medal with Russia at EuroBasket 2007 and was named the tournament MVP. The victory also qualified Russia for the 2008 Summer Olympics, where Kirilenko served as Russia's flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony.
What did Andrei Kirilenko do after retiring from professional basketball?
Kirilenko was elected president of the Russian Basketball Federation in August 2015, shortly after announcing his retirement on the 23rd of June 2015. He was re-elected to the post in August 2020.
How did Andrei Kirilenko perform in the EuroLeague during the 2011 NBA lockout?
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Kirilenko returned to CSKA Moscow and averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over 17 EuroLeague games, leading the team to the 2012 EuroLeague Final. He was named EuroLeague MVP, earned an All-EuroLeague first team selection, and won the EuroLeague Best Defender award that season.