Miami added another experienced big man to its 2026-27 roster Wednesday, when Jai Lucas announced the signing of Russian center Egor Ryzhov.
The 21-year-old joins a Miami frontcourt that already added former Georgia center Somto Cyril through the transfer portal after Malik Reneau and Ernest Udeh Jr. departed for the NBA. Cyril averaged 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and led the SEC with 74 blocks last season.
Ryzhov has played against professionals in one of Europe's top domestic leagues, which separates him from the typical first-year college addition. He measures in at 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds.
Welcome to The U, Egor Ryzhov 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qmkVh191dM
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) July 1, 2026
Miami signs center Egor Ryzhov after breakout season in Russia
Ryzhov came through Zenit St. Petersburg's academy system before reaching the club's professional ranks. During the 2021-22 season, he played for Zenit-2 in the VTB Youth United League and Zenit's Under-19 team in the CYBL, helping both teams win their competitions. He signed a three-year deal with Zenit in the summer of 2022.Â
During the 2022-23 season, Ryzhov split time between Zenit's senior team and Zenit-2. He made two appearances for Zenit in the VTB United League while continuing to get most of his development work with the club's second team.Â
Ryzhov remained in Zenit's system during the 2023-24 season and was named VTB Youth Finals MVP while playing for Zenit-2.Â
He moved into a larger role with Zenit's senior team in 2024-25, appearing in 29 VTB United League games and averaging 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game. His best performance came against Enisey in December 2024, when he scored 23 points on 8-for-8 shooting and added nine rebounds.Â
Zenit extended Ryzhov’s contract through the end of the 2026-27 season in September 2025, then loaned him to BC Enisey for the 2025-26 campaign. He played in 41 VTB United League games, made 28 starts and averaged 11.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game. That deal ended early when Zenit and Ryzhov mutually agreed to terminate his contract on June 24, clearing him to continue his career at Miami.
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