This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Center Kyrylo Fesenko is reportedly close to signing a contract with professional Ukrainian team Dnipro. But Fesenko's agent, Stu Lash, said Monday that he is unaware of the deal.

On the surface, the move would make sense for Fesenko. The 24-year-old is a native of the Ukraine, will compete in the 2011 EuroBasket tournament for his home country and still has personal ties to the region. Fesenko was recently linked to Spanish club Baskonia, though, and he has been pursued by other international teams in the past. Fesenko is also expected to receive attention from NBA teams once the lockout ends and free agency begins.

The 7-foot-1, 280-pound Fesenko averaged 2 points, 2 rebounds and 8.6 minutes last season in 53 games for the Jazz. He is no longer under contract with Utah, and will become an unrestricted free agent once the 2011-12 season starts.

Brian T. Smith

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