Russian center Egor Ryzhov brings professional VTB experience to Coral Gables, offering a mobile, versatile interior presence capable of dominating the paint and elevating the Miami Hurricanes' defensive depth.
MIAMI, Fla. – Coach Jai Lucas doesn’t shy away from adding international talent to the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball roster. Last season, he brought in Salih Altuntas (Turkish), Noam Dovrat (Israeli), and Timotej Malovec (Slovakian). Although they have all departed through the transfer portal, coach Lucas is sticking with the overseas recruiting.
It was officially announced last Wednesday, July 1, that Russian center Egor Ryzhov signed with the program. He’s coming off a productive season with BC Enisey in the VTB United League: 11.7 points on 55.5 percent shooting and 5.9 rebounds in 41 games. Given the experience of international professional competition, Ryzhov could give the Hurricanes a different look offensively.
The 21-year-old is more mobile and versatile than Altuntas – the previous backup center. Off the ball, he’s a lob threat and can be utilized in pick-and-roll action. Ryzhov aggressively crashes the glass on both sides. He finished with four games reaching double-digit rebounds – all double-doubles.
Ryzhov is listed at 6-11, 220 pounds, but can move like a guard. When he has the ball, damage is looking to be made in the paint. Ryzhov has a floater and midrange, but when driving to the basket, the Russian native tends to go to a spin move to create space.
Defensively, the newest member of the Hurricanes has the intangibles to fit coach Lucas’ system. Ryzhov has the frame to protect the rim and the footwork to move out in the perimeter. He doesn’t get blown by often; it will just take discipline to adjust to the NCAA Division I level.
Ryzhov isn’t a stretch five. He shot 30 percent from behind the arc on the season in the VTB United League and made three of 10 attempts. It’s unlikely that coach Lucas will ask him to extend the range. He will have the assignment to defend and dominate the paint.
The incoming senior is the projected backup to SEC shot-blocking transfer Somto Cyril.
Coach Lucas won’t have to rely on the starters as heavily as he did last season. It was nearly a Tom Thibodeau with the New York Knicks type of situation.
Ryzhov has the talent and professional experience to make a surprising jump in college basketball. He just needs to avoid foul trouble – logging at least three personals in 14 of 41 games with BC Enisey.
The Hurricanes might have found a hidden gem outside of the United States of America.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
