The story of Vojtech Hruban

A legend of Czech basketball and a 10-time Czech League Champion, many have seen Vojtech Hruban’s point scoring consistency at the highest level of European competition. From a glittering career at CEZ Nymburk, to representing his nation at some of the biggest competitions in basketball, Hruban has the chance to add another piece of silverware to his glittering career this campaign.

Born in Prague and spending the first few years at local side Slavia Praha, by the 2011/12 season Hruban had already made an impression within Czech Basketball, after an impressive 16.91 points averaged and he made the subs bench for the 2012 NBL all-star game.

These successes would draw the attention of Basketball Nymburk, who had dominated the Czech leagues for many seasons prior to Hruban’s signing with the Central Bohemian team. Over the next decade, Hruban would play a significant role in continuing this dominance. Only Petr Benda has scored more for the side as ‘Vojta’ played more than 591 games and scored just over 6400 points. He would not only succeed in the NBL, as he put up great numbers in both the EuroCup and the Basketball Champions League.

Hruban and his Lions seem an impassable obstacle for other teams reaching for the title

His immense performances at home in the Czech Republic and on the European stage not only earned Hruban the chance to represent his national team at the EuroBasket competition and the FIBA World Cup but also the captains armband for Nymburk. During the 2017 edition of the EuroBasket, the small forward averaged 11 points and 3 rebounds as the Czech Republic came 7th. 2 years later, he featured at the World Cup and helped his national team to an even stronger 6th place. After 4 wins and 4 losses, Vojtech ended the tournament with 91 accumulated points.

This meant that when Hruban wanted to explore opportunities outside of his homeland, there were a plethora of suitors across Europe. However, with Kostas Kufus and Kareem Queeley already joining the Lions project that summer, joining one of the most exciting basketball projects in Europe seemed like an obvious option.

Hruban said upon signing: “During the summer, I had several offers on the table from very good European teams. Then came the one from the London Lions, which swept everything off the table. They are a young and ambitious club that wants to establish themselves in European cups. The team is composed interestingly, and I like the whole project very much. We, as a family, also liked London as a place to live. After this offer, there was nothing left to deal with. I am looking forward to new challenges, matches, a good season in the EuroCup and hopefully adding a British one to the many Czech titles”.

This title appears to be on the horizon with help from Hruban, he has managed 10.5 points per game with 3 rebounds as the Lions continue to blow away opposition. This was demonstrated as the Lions comfortably beat play-off hopefuls Newcastle, with Hruban scoring 19. As we approach the final stretch of the regular seasons, Hruban and his Lions seem an impassable obstacle for other teams reaching for the title.
With a glittering career full of silverware and accolades, British Basketball will be watching as he attempts to add another trophy at one of Europe’s fastest growing clubs.