Unics Kazan big man Vladimir Veremeenko has been an impact player at every stop in his career and it should come as little surprise that as a 27-year-old Euroleague rookie, the tough Belorussian played a major role in getting his team of to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16 in their first season in the competition. Though Veremeenko’s impact cannot be judged by statistics alone, two items scream out: his best game – a 21-point, 10-rebounds, 2-lock outing at Montepaschi Siena, was responsible for the team’s most impressive victory of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season. And his +/- score of 6.1 was third in the entire regular season among players whose teams did not finish in the top two spots in their groups.

The son of former professional basketball players, Veremeenko has been bouncing a ball since before he started school. His talent was clear from a young age. He made his Korac Cup debut at age 15 with the Gomel Wildcats and started for his national team at age 17. It was clear that he needed to leave home to maximize his potential and at age 18, he debuted in the Russian League with Saratov. Two years later, Veremeenko teamed with current teammate Kelly McCarty on the Dynamo St. Petersburg squad that went undefeated to win the 2005 FIBA Europe League. In 2006, Veremeenko moved to BC Khimki, where he spent two seasons before joining Unics, where he seems to have found a home.

Last season he was an important contributor for Unics in the Eurocup. Not one to press matters, Veremeenko played his role to perfection as the team rolled, but when he was needed to stand up, the big man responded with 30 points on near-perfect shooting and 12 rebounds in Game 1 of the Eurocup Quarterfinals at Pepsi Caserta. He was named quarterfinals MVP as Unics punched its ticket to the Eurocup Finals and eventually celebrated the title and a spot in this season’s Euroleague.

Veremeenko’s game is built around a combination of above-average athleticism and speed, a good mid-range shot and most-importantly, a superior feel for the game. His shooting and quick first step allow him to take advantage of mismatches. He also has a nose for the ball that translates into offensive rebounds (2.4 orpg.) and blocks (1 bpg.), both of which he ranked among the top 10 in the league in the regular season.

The Top 16 represents a new, bright stage upon which Veremeenko can display his special talents. The opponents, the games and Unics’s mission won’t be easy, but for Veremeenko, it need not be. He is a special player, who figures to see plenty of playing time in the upcoming fixtures. Sometimes he may stand out and other time he might go unnoticed as he does the little things every team needs. But it Unics is winning, you know that Vladimir Veremeenko is having an impact – and that impact may roll right through the Top 16 and into the Playoffs.