Andrei Kirilenko initially wrestled with whether to sign with CSKA Moscow.

“I had a lot of doubts but a number of factors came into the picture, most of all the fantastic team chemistry at CSKA and my desire to mold with the core of the Russian national team vying for an Olympic berth,” Kirilenko said. “In the end I decided to stay because the exertions in the Euroleague, where you are allowed to have a dip in form, are less demanding than those in the NBA where you sometimes play five games a week and have no time to recuperate.”

Kirilenko helped CSKA into the Euroleague Final Four round, which begins Friday.

”I am very excited to be back and after winning the 2007 European Championship with Russia, I now want to win Europe’s premier club competition too and especially so because this is something of an uncharted territory for me,” Kirilenko said.

Kirilenko will decide his future at the end of the season.

“I have a huge history with the Utah Jazz and they are a priority for me among the 30 teams competing in the NBA, while CSKA are just as close to my heart in Europe and when the Final Four is over I will weigh my options and make a decision,” Kirilenko said.