- A
- A
- A
- ABC
- ABC
- ABC
- А
- А
- А
- А
- А
Ten Years in the Game
© EXTRA HSE
The HSE Basketball League’s biggest event of the year—the 7th All-Star Game, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the student sports association—has taken place. The event brought together over 300 participants—players, organisers, and fans—becoming the largest in the history of the league.
The HSE Basketball League is a unique organisation that has no counterparts in Moscow’s universities. The league unites over 14 teams that compete in the annual championship in two divisions, with the strongest teams advancing to the playoffs and competing for prizes. The All-Star Game is the ultimate event, the main competition of the season where the league’s strongest players participate.
Preparations for the All-Star Game begin long in advance. The first stage is voting for athletes worthy of representing their team in the championship event, after which there is a shooting at the draft studio, where the team coaches recruit players to the line-ups. This time, the National Association of Student Basketball partnered with the draft studio. Next, the organisers develop the event concept, visual identity, and game uniforms, as well as seek sponsors and partners. This year, prizes for players and fans were provided by Dodo Pizza, Kion, Fitmost, Arenadata, Unirus, and other partners.
The main objective of the 7th All-Star Game was to unite different generations of players. To present the history of the HSE Basketball League, organisers published interviews with the ten teams that have won the championship over the past 10 years of the league’s existence.
The All-Star Game took place at the Russian University of Sport ‘GTSOLIFK,’ bringing together more than 300 people. The event programme included contests for players and fans, a slam dunk contest (a competition, in which players jump up and slam the ball through the ring from above with one or two hands — Ed.), and a long-range shooting competition between quarters. HSE basketball legends participated as players and competition judges. The show, which was broadcast using multi-camera footage, was accompanied by sportscasters’ commentary. Over 30 organisers worked on site, including photographers, videographers, a DJ, and sportscasters.
According to the league representatives, the level of the 2026 All-Star Game confirms the growing popularity of basketball at HSE University. The association has become a starting point in sports for many students, also presenting an opportunity to find like-minded people.
Marketing and Market Analytics Programme, CEO of the league
— I joined HSE basketball three years ago as a media team videographer, but within a year I rose to department head and managed the preparations for the 2025 All-Star Game and the Capitals Cup in 3x3 Basketball of the GSB Summer Fest. Initially, I saw the league as something vibrant and the opposite of learning, a space where you could take a break from routine. But it turned out to be a venue for testing one’s acquired knowledge in building relationships and making managerial decisions.
The more I did for basketball at HSE, the more I wanted to continue and do something more global and ambitious. That’s how I became responsible for the community of basketball enthusiasts, which I humbly consider the best. The active preparation phase lasted from mid-January to the very day of the event. It was during this period that we brainstormed ideas and implemented them.
Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics programme, coach of the Rookies team—winner of the slam dunk contest
— The All-Star Game was the first time I gave coaching a try. I found the role quite interesting, since I was already used to being a player. However, there were moments when I wanted to get out on the court and play, to help the team.
My assistant Denis Zasypkin and I prepared responsibly: we came up with a clear strategy for choosing our players, and we carefully analysed the opposing team. This approach is probably rare for the All-Star Game, because people come to this event to have fun without putting too much effort into basketball, but we thought that pleasure was inseparable from a competitive spirit. Moreover, neither team wanted to lose despite the friendly atmosphere, because winning is always more enjoyable.
For me, the HSE 5x5 League is a fascinating story of a major basketball community, where everyone can make many great connections. The All-Star Game will always stand apart in my memories of the league. Such events provide a unique student experience unlike anything else.
Digital Communications and Product Analytics Programme, player of the Origins team—winner of the Shooting Stars challenge
— It was the desire to play basketball after a long break that brought me to the league. In 11th grade, I left the Trinta Sports School to study for exams, and I didn’t play for two years. I missed basketball during that time, and in my second year I stumbled upon a VK post with information about the draft, where I played well and joined Team Superior. I still play there. This is my sixth season in the league, and my third time participating in the All-Star Game. This probably shows that I am heading in the right direction, and my efforts earned me the trust of the organisation that invited me to the best players’ match.
Next season, we will continue to train with Team Superior, since we understand that we are able to beat strong opponents.
Applied Mathematics Programme, player of the Rookies team—silver medallist of the slam dunk contest
— When I joined the league, I immediately realised that they played basketball at a high level. In my first year, I didn’t think I would make it to the All-Star Game, given the other players’ proficiency. But by the third season, I got the chance to do it, and I’m glad I took it. I hope I managed to put on a show worthy of the game.
I participated in the dunk contest last year, but not very successfully. The key thing on this path is not to get injured. I practised my dunks a couple of days before the game, but the idea of elbow dunks occurred to me only during the warm-up before the competition. Giving credit to the opponents, I competed against three national team players, and they were great at dunking. I ended up second, so I see a lot of room for improvement. I’m looking forward to next year’s dunk contest!
