Overview

One of the most promising Ukrainian players in the game, Fesenko starred for the Under-20 team during the European Championship two years ago, drawing attention from NBA scouts.

He is still developing his offensive game, but shows promise on defense. While he played the pivot the last few years, Fesenko will more than likely shift to the "four" spot and likely compete for time at power forward next season.

Fesenko played for Azovmash Mariupol in the Ukraine Superleague from 2003-05 before joining SK Cherkassy for the 2006-07 campaign. During the European championship, he averaged 6.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and two blocks per game. During his final season with Azovmash Mariupol, the team compiled a 32-12 record to finish in first place in Ukraine's second division.

Fesenko also appeared in five games for his club in the FIBA Europe League. His playing time was limited (eight minutes per game) but when given the opportunity, Fesenko showed why he is on the radar of many scouts. He had 14 points, five rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes of action against Besiktas and netted 28 points in three games against Poland with the senior national team. He declared for the 2006 NBA Draft, but later withdrew his name from consideration.

In 2006-07, Fesenko averaged 7.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots per game in 23 contests during the regular season. In postseason action, he played in 12 games, shooting 67.9 percent from the field while putting in 102 points (8.5 points per game) and grabbing 56 rebounds (4.7 rebounds per game). He also blocked 23 shots.

In 35 total games during 2006-07, Fesenko hit 91 of 155 field goals (58.7 percent), missed his only 3-point attempt and was successful on just 89 of 158 free throws (56.3 percent) for 271 points (7.7 points per game) while averaging 20.4 minutes of action each contest. Of his 145 total rebounds (4.1 rpg), 46 were offensive boards. He dished out 26 assists, had 19 steals and blocked 58 shots (1.7 bpg). He was charged with 82 Personal fouls and had 54 turnovers.

Scouting Report

Positives: Has long limbs and a well-built frame that can carry at least another 20 pounds with no loss of quickness...Very agile for a player his size, showing good ball-handling skills, especially when working with his guards on pick-and-roll plays...Gets up and down the court well and provides a physical presence under the basket...Has just an adequate vertical leap, but he uses his length and timing to go up and block shots...Not the type that can go above the rim to secure the rebound, but is good at pushing the opponent out of the paint, using his long arms to retrieve shots off the glass...Very tough when establishing position in the paint and will use his elbows and hands to push and shove his way to the basket...Still a work in progress, but showed a better understanding of post offense and is developing a decent touch 6-8 feet from the basket...Shot 67.9 percent in the postseason, mostly on pick-and-pop plays or putbacks...Best when playing close to the basket, as he realizes he has no perimeter game...Shows good coordination in his running stride...Gets a bunch of his rebounds on second and third effort and has noticeable aggression is his game...Classic banger, but has the quickness to stay with small forwards...His long wingspan is an asset in working on a baby hook shot.

Negatives: Has poor shooting mechanics, getting most of his points from point-blank distance...Needs to work on improving his leaping ability and footwork when firing mid-range jumpers...Mechanics at the charity stripe need a complete overhaul -- is a 56.3-percent free-throw shooter...Plays with good aggression, but needs to stay in front of his man better when defending on the perimeter...Still be under contract, but reports indicate there is a buyout clause...Has had little coaching during his career and will need time to develop and get acclimated to the NBA game...Most of his turnovers are the result of carelessness with the ball...Needs to get more arc in his shot when facing the basket...While his low-post game needs improvement, he needs to show better explosiveness attacking the rim.

Compares To: NENAD KRSTIC, New Jersey. The Nets were rewarded for their patience in waiting for Krstic to develop in Europe. If a team shows the same patience with Fesenko, they could be rewarded with an athletic center or power forward. His offensive and defensive skills are just average at best, but he is a big, mobile and aggressive player with nimble feet who needs great coaching to unearth his hidden talents.

Personal

Born 12/24/86...Resides in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.

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