Ladies, who wants a Russian passport ?

Remember JR Holden ? The ultimate proof that granting a Russian passport to an American citizen ain’t a bad idea to win a European Championship.

 

 

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Well, it sounds like Russia wants to further develop this concept to the women’s national team. In an interview to FIBA Europe, Spartak Moscow’s head coach and Russian NT assistant coach Natalia Hejkova hinted the number of Russians on Earth could rise by at least 3 overnight.

“”Globalisation in basketball’, we could say. Holden is a really good example. There is chance for Nolan, Hammon and I hope for Kelly Miller also. We are waiting for her Russian passport, soon.”

If I’m not mistaking, a max number of 1 naturalized player can suit up for a European NT in FIBA competitions so Russia’s starting 5 shouldn’t look like a WNBA All-Star team tomorrow.

But if I’m Anne Donovan (head coach of the US National Team), I wouldn’t like to see Becky Hammon - who led the WNBA in assists last summer - strengthen a team that already defeated Team USA in 2006 at the World Championship.

PS : Talking about Hammon, I’m sorry to fantasise about women’s basketball players so much but did I ever say that picture always makes me think about that song.