Legendary Ukrainian basketball player Andriy Agafonov has announced his retirement from professional basketball.
The 39-year-old centre for Cherkasy Monkeys played his last game in the Ukrainian Super League regular season, where his team lost to Kharkiv Falcons 91:98. In this match, the experienced player scored 11 points and made two rebounds, putting a symbolic end to his long and eventful career.
‘I have decided to retire from professional basketball. Yes, this is the end — perhaps not the way I imagined it in my mind, and not the way I once told my friends about my childhood dream at the age of 40,’ Agafonov shared in his Instagram post.
The athlete thanked everyone who had been with him throughout his thirty-year basketball career: teammates, coaches, opponents and referees, noting that each of them had become part of his professional history.
Andriy Agafonov and his basketball career
Andriy Agafonov is one of the most productive and consistent Ukrainian basketball players of recent decades. He holds the Super League record for efficiency rating per game – 55 productive actions, including 41 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, an achievement set in the 2022/23 season.
His play has always been characterised by power, accuracy and a high level of tactical thinking, and his name has become a symbol of dedication to the sport and professionalism.
The end of Agafonov’s career marks the end of an era for Ukrainian basketball. However, the athlete’s contribution to the development of the game, his records and example of hard work will remain a benchmark for young players who are just
starting their journey in professional sport.
Agafonov won the Super League bronze five times with Yuzhne’s Khimik (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), as well as once with Odessa’s BIPO (2023) and Cherkasy Monkeys (2025). In 2012, Agafonov became the champion of Ukraine and the winner of the Cup as part of Kyiv’s Budivelnik.
Andriy Agafonov’s statistics in the Ukrainian Super League
Games played – 384 games (10th place)
Points scored – 4383 points (3rd place)
Rebounds – 2103 rebounds (4th place)
Assists – 786
Block shots – 384 (1st place)
Double-doubles – 34 (6th place)
As a reminder, the finalists of the Ukrainian Basketball Championship have been determined.
