1. Aleksandar Vezenkov, most commonly known as Sasha Vezenkov, is a Bulgarian professional basketball player for Olympiacos of the Greek Basketball League and the EuroLeague.
31 Facts About Aleksandar Vezenkov
1. 2.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was born in Nicosia to Bulgarian parents and was raised in Cyprus and Greece.
3.
Aleksandar Vezenkov holds triple citizenship for Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece.
4.
Aleksandar Vezenkov, who was always considered to be one of the best youth players in Europe in his age group, began playing youth club basketball in Cyprus in 2005 with APOEL Nicosia's youth teams.
5.
Aleksandar Vezenkov trained for several years at Nick Galis Hall, located near the center of Thessaloniki, Greece.
6.
On 16 May 2013, Aleksandar Vezenkov committed to play American college basketball in the Big East Conference, at Xavier University, with the Xavier Musketeers.
7.
Aleksandar Vezenkov began his pro career with the senior men's team of Aris, in the Greek League, in 2011, appearing in 10 games, with an average of 2.5 minutes on the floor.
8.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was named the Greek League Best Young Player in 2013.
9.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was named the Greek League Best Young Player again in 2014.
10.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was the league's official full-season leader in scoring and rebounding.
11.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was named the league's MVP, Most Improved Player, and Best Young Player that season.
12.
Aleksandar Vezenkov had originally planned to enter the 2015 NBA draft, but later withdrew his name from it before the deadline that was set for international players in June.
13.
On 12 July 2018, Aleksandar Vezenkov signed a two-year deal with Olympiacos of the EuroLeague.
14.
On 10 July 2020, Aleksandar Vezenkov signed a two-year extension with the team.
15.
Aleksandar Vezenkov finished the EuroLeague season averaging 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and a Performance Index Rating of 17.8.
16.
Aleksandar Vezenkov's performance earned him a spot in the All-EuroLeague First Team.
17.
Aleksandar Vezenkov won the Bulgarian Sportsperson of the Year award in 2022, which made him the second basketball player to win the award after Vanya Voynova in 1958.
18.
On 22 June 2017, Aleksandar Vezenkov was selected with the 57th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets.
19.
On 18 July 2023, Aleksandar Vezenkov signed a three-year, $20 million deal with the Kings.
20.
Aleksandar Vezenkov played one season with the Kings, averaging 12 minutes per game and 5.4 points per game.
21.
On 25 July 2024, Aleksandar Vezenkov returned to Olympiacos of the Greek Basket League.
22.
Aleksandar Vezenkov had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.
23.
Aleksandar Vezenkov was a member of the Bulgarian junior national teams.
24.
Aleksandar Vezenkov led the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in scoring, with an average of 27.1 points per game.
25.
Aleksandar Vezenkov led the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in scoring, with an average of 22.4 points per game.
26.
Aleksandar Vezenkov led the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game, and rebounds, averaging 11.2 rebounds per game.
27.
Aleksandar Vezenkov represented the senior men's Bulgarian national team in the second qualification tournament for FIBA EuroBasket 2015, averaging 17.3 points per game, and being the highest scoring player for the team, in 5 of their 6 games, as well as the team's overall top scorer.
28.
Aleksandar Vezenkov played at the EuroBasket 2017 qualification as well as the team's successful qualification for EuroBasket 2022 and the actual tournament, during which he was the leading scorer for Bulgaria.
29.
Aleksandar Vezenkov is a former international basketball player, who played at EuroBasket 1985, EuroBasket 1989, and EuroBasket 1991.
30.
Aleksandar Vezenkov officially received Greek citizenship on 30 December 2015, under the official name of Alexander "Alex" Vezenkof, with his common Greek name being Sasha Vezenkof.
31.
Aleksandar Vezenkov is in a relationship with Greek waterpolo player Nikoleta Eleftheriadou.