Rīgas Zeļļi sign Ukrainian forward Ivan Tkachenko

Tkachenko returns to Riga

Rīgas Zeļļi have strengthened their roster for the new season with the signing of 29-year-old Ukrainian national team forward Ivan Tkachenko.

The 197 cm forward returns to a Latvian basketball scene he knows well, having spent two seasons with Prometey when the Ukrainian club was based in Riga.

During his time with Prometey, Tkachenko became a two-time Latvian-Estonian Basketball League champion and also played in European competition for two seasons.

 

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Kondratiavičus: “He fits our system very well”

Rīgas Zeļļi head coach Rokas Kondratiavičus highlighted Tkachenko’s versatility and defensive abilities.

“Ivan is a player with a lot of experience in European basketball. He is athletic and physical, can defend the opposing team’s best players, and also has a good shot. He fits our playing system very well, where we want to be aggressive on defense and play fast basketball on offense.”

Skuja’s injury changed the plans

Rīgas Zeļļi president Edgars Buļs explained that the injury suffered by Toms Skuja led the club to reconsider its roster plans.

“Although we had finished our active roster construction, Toms Skuja’s injury changed our plans slightly. Together with the coaches, we watched several games of the Ukrainian national team, and we liked what we saw from Tkachenko.”

Buļs added that Tkachenko had expressed his desire to remain in Riga, allowing the two sides to reach an agreement quickly.

The club is also pleased with his ability to play multiple positions and contribute significantly without the ball. In domestic competitions, Tkachenko is classified as a Latvian player, which could prove important when the team reaches the decisive stages of the season.

Tkachenko: “Time to get to work”

The Ukrainian forward is excited about starting the next chapter of his career in Riga.

“I am very happy to start a new chapter in my career with Rīgas Zeļļi! I am grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and can’t wait to start working with my new teammates, coaches and everyone else in the organization. I am looking forward to a great season in Riga. Time to get to work!”