Professional career Podkolzin made his debut with
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, in the Russian second division, during the 2001–02 season. In December 2001, he signed with Italy's
Metis Varese, for whom he played from 2002 to 2004. He was selected by the
Utah Jazz in the
2004 NBA draft and promptly traded to the
Dallas Mavericks for a future first-round pick in the
2005 NBA draft. He was originally available for selection in the
previous year's draft, but withdrew Podkolzin was considered to be a high draft pick in the 2004 draft because of his size, blocking ability and strength, but he was chosen late in the draft. Podkolzin averaged 6.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes in his first two Las Vegas Summer League Revue games. On 5 August 2006, he was waived by the Mavericks after appearing briefly in just six games spanning two seasons. In 2006–07, he played in the
Russian Super League for
Khimki BC and former team Lokomotiv Novosibirsk.
National team career Podkolzin was a member of the junior Russian national basketball team that won the silver medal at the 2000 European Cadets Championship. == Football career ==