Valery Tikhonenko, Olympic champion and current general manager of the Russian men’s national basketball team, is reportedly a candidate for the vacant sports director position at Zenit basketball club. The role became available after Manos Papadopoulos’ departure.

Tikhonenko has expressed interest in the position. Sources indicate he has been residing in St. Petersburg for two years and is frequently seen at Zenit games. He also maintains regular contact with Togrul Mamedov, a member of the club’s board of directors.

It was previously reported that Tikhonenko was interested in the general director position. However, that possibility is no longer under consideration.

Tikhonenko denies any ongoing negotiations with Zenit. He expressed surprise at the rumors and stated he is unaware of any developments.

Valery Tikhonenko is a highly decorated basketball player, having won the 1988 Olympic gold medal and a European championship, along with multiple world and European championship medals. He has coached CSKA and the Russian national teams in the past. He served as the general manager of Astana from 2011 to 2022. Since 2023 he has been the general manager of the men’s national team.