Young Russian basketball talent Ilya Ermakov has made a significant decision regarding his collegiate career. The 18-year-old guard, who developed his skills in the renowned CSKA Moscow youth system, has committed to staying with the St. Bonaventure Bonnies for the upcoming 2026/2027 NCAA season. This news was reported by the Telegram channel NCAA | It's College Basketball Time.
Ermakov joined the Bonnies in 2025 and has already gained valuable experience in the highly competitive environment of NCAA Division I basketball. The team competes in the Atlantic 10 conference, where they finished in 13th place, second to last, in the most recent season standings.
During his initial nine-game stint with St. Bonaventure, Ermakov showcased his potential on the court. He averaged 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, while also recording 0.1 blocks. His playing time averaged 11 minutes per contest. The guard demonstrated efficient shooting, converting 45.5% of his field goal attempts and an impressive 42.9% from beyond the three-point arc.
Before his move to the United States, Ermakov built an impressive resume in Russian youth basketball. He is a champion of the Youth Basketball League (ДЮБЛ) from 2023 and a two-time silver medalist in the same competition in 2024. His performances earned him recognition, as he was named to the symbolic five of the "Final Eight" in the ДЮБЛ in both 2024 and 2025.
Ermakov's success extended beyond the ДЮБЛ. He was also a two-time silver medalist in the United Youth League of VTB in 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, in 2025, he achieved silver medal finishes in both the regular season and playoffs of the Russian Superliga. His consistent play was acknowledged with selections to the symbolic fives for both the regular season and the playoff stage of the Superliga that same year.
The decision to continue his development at St. Bonaventure represents a clear commitment from Ermakov to further hone his skills within the American collegiate system. Playing in the Atlantic 10 conference provides a platform for growth against strong competition, and his early statistical contributions suggest a player ready to take on a larger role in the coming season.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.