Yaroslav Korolev joins Spartak

Yaroslav Korolev surrounded by LA Clippers’ GM and Naismith Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor (left) and Coach Mike Dunleavy on NBA Draft Day 2005.

Yaroslav Korolev (206 cm) has signed on with Spartak St. Petersburg (Russia-PBL) for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. Korolev was released in Nov. 2012 by Lagun Aro (Spain-ACB) after playing in nine games, averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Korolev started his professional career in 2002 with the Avtodor Saratov junior team, moving up to the Avtodor Saratov (Russia-Superleague) senior team in 2003-04. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1st round (12th overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft. Korolev spent the 2005-06 season with the Clippers, seeing court time in 24 games, but only averaging 1.1 points per game. The Clippers resigned him for the 2006-07 season, but he only played in 10 games. Korolev has played for the Russian U16 team (2003), U18 team (2005-2005), and the Russian National team in 2006. He’s also been involved in the Euroleague Final Four, NBA Western Conference Semifinals, Russian Superleague Finals, EuroCup Quarterfinals and the Russian Cup Finals.