Team 2008-09: CSKA MOSCOW (Russia-SuperLeague)
Career: Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia- 1A, 1994-2000), Virtus Bologna (Italy-A, 2000-03), Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-A, 2003-05), CSKA Moscow (Russia-SuperLeague, 2005-09)

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Since the beginning of the century, Matjaz Smodis has become one of the top performers in EuroLeague. He has won the competition twice, in 2001 with Kinder Bologna and in 2008 with CSKA Moscow. Before becoming a big star, Smodis played for many years in his hometown, Novo Mesto. He started his career in 1994 in the second division with Krka and allowed his team to play the Korac Cup in 1998 and the Saporta Cup in 1999. Matjaz is a very skilled big man who has many inside moves. He can also shoot from long-range. But on the other side of the court, his defence can still be improved. Smodis is the captain of the Slovenian national team.