Vyacheslav Kravtsov: On His CSKA Move and Pro-Ukraine Stance
Vyacheslav Kravtsov, the latest lead on the reality show 'The Bachelor,' has opened up about his stint with Moscow's CSKA basketball team, describing it as a regretful decision. In a recent interview, the Ukrainian athlete also reinforced his strong pro-Ukraine position and addressed a previous comment suggesting that 'basketball is not politics,' clarifying that it was taken out of context. Kravtsov explained that his move to Moscow was driven by personal relationships.
Kravtsov met his then-girlfriend, a cheerleader, while playing in Donetsk. The couple later relocated to the United States, where he launched his NBA career. However, during his second year in the NBA, they had a falling out, and she moved to Moscow for work. After the season ended, Kravtsov's agent sought new opportunities, and CSKA was among them. The center's time in Russia lasted only two and a half months, a period he now openly calls a mistake.
“I didn’t fully grasp the scale of what was happening—that Russia had attacked Ukraine. I was there for just two and a half months. In that time, everything became clear. Was it a mistake? Yes,” Kravtsov stated.
Career Highlights and Personal Life
Born in Odesa and now 38 years old, Kravtsov plays as a center and brings extensive basketball experience. His career includes stints with:
- BC Kyiv
- Donetsk
- The Detroit Pistons in the NBA
He has also been part of the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns organizations. Kravtsov first represented the Ukrainian national team at age 18 and later captained it for a decade. He noted that he has switched to speaking Ukrainian with his parents and friends, and has used Ukrainian with his daughter, Melisa, since her birth.
Kravtsov also responded to recent reports from Russian media, accusing them of distorting his words. “What is there to comment on? Russian media write whatever they want. The interview was taken very, very out of context,” he said. In late April, the TV channel STB announced Kravtsov as the new star of their romantic reality show.
Kravtsov's admission that joining CSKA was a mistake highlights the difficult position many Ukrainian athletes face when they have ties to Russia amid the ongoing conflict. His outspoken pro-Ukraine stance and willingness to discuss his personal journey may serve as an example for others in similar situations. His experience also reflects a broader trend in Ukrainian sports, where there is a growing emphasis on national identity during challenging times.