As they adjust to a new level of notoriety, St. Bonaventure appears poised to improve its on-court performance—and soon.
The Bonnies are signing Russian guard Ilia Ermakov, his agents told Jonathan Givony of ESPN Thursday morning. Ermakov, 17, is a highly touted prospect who has been playing for the reserve team of CSKA Moscow in Russia’s capital.
The move is a significant coup for St. Bonaventure’s new general manager—ex-ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski. Wojnarowski, 56, took a job with his alma mater after retiring from the network; his second act has attracted considerable public attention.
In 2025, the Bonnies posted a 22-12 record—their best since 2022. However, they missed the NCAA men’s tournament and were blown out by Kent State in the first round of the NIT.
NEWS: Russian guard Ilia Ermakov has committed to St. Bonaventure, agents Alex Karavanen and Niko Filipovich told ESPN.
Ermakov, a 6’5, 17-year old point guard, is considered the top young prospect in Russia, drawing significant interest across the high-major spectrum. pic.twitter.com/zSpHdvcelQ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 24, 2025
Ermakov has averaged 12.6 points per game for CSKA Moscow’s reserves this season in Russian Basketball Super League 1—the second tier of the Russian basketball pyramid.
