2012 London Olympics Preview: Russia Bringing Strongest Squad Ever
By Vladimir Spivak
The championship at the 2007 EuroBasket is no doubt the biggest achievement in the history of Russian men’s basketball. And perhaps it will remain the one for at least few more years. That team, led by J. R. Holden and Andrei Kirilenko, will be remembered in the country forever, as it was limited talent-wise but strong as a great unit taught by a great coach.
This year, David Blatt brings to London the most skillful national team ever, with four starters of this team good enough to get decent minutes in the NBA.
It’s hard to compare his EuroLeague’s season to the ones he had in the NBA, but a lot of people are saying Kirilenko has been playing the best basketball of his career in 2012. And AK succeeded in translating his great shape into the postseason period. Kirilenko has always stated that the 2008 Beijing Olympics flag-bearing experience had been the best both in his basketball career and life. He takes this year’s tournament very serious too, and his desire to be a part of it was perhaps one of the main reasons for him staying at CSKA Moscow rather than joining an NBA club. We all know what AK47 is capable of, and he’ll be one of the stars at the London Olympics.
Only one thing in European basketball can make Kirilenko even better – playing alongside Viktor Khryapa, his long-time national team partner and friend. This duo is so much fun to watch, they just feel each other on some other level. Khryapa had a remarkable season for CSKA Moscow coming just short of the Euroleague title. He recently signed a new three-year extension with the Russian champions which will likely keep him at the club for the rest of his career. The power forward never announced it but there is a feeling this summer could be the last for him with the national team jersey.
Fresh of signing a multi-year deal with Minnesota, Alexey Shved will draw a lot of attention in London. He looks much more comfortable and confident in Russia’s jersey after a breakout 2011 EuroBasket campaign. Shved usually starts at two-guard for Russia but gets some time as a PG as well. He still makes a number of questionable decisions, driving Blatt crazy, but the T-Wolf has matured a lot during last season and enters the 2012 Olympic as one of Russia’s key players.
Shved performs at his best off pick-and-roll action with Timofey Mozgov, so far the only other Russian in the NBA. Mozgov twisted his ankle during the Olympic Qualifying Event in Venezuela earlier this month, but claims to be OK by now. He played 11 minutes and was perfect (4-for-4) from the field for Russia last Sunday as they thrashed Lithuania, 101-79, in a friendly game. Mozgov’s starting center role is in doubt though, with Sasha Kaun being in great shape and being Blatt’s favorite for this role at the moment.
We should also meet a new edition of Vitaly Fridzon in London. It’s safe to say that the most hard- working Russian player has finally reached an elite European level. He averaged 14.5 points in Venezuela, shooting almost 70%. Fridzon will be Blatt’s first option off the bench.
As to disadvantages of the Russian team, the point-guard position will be coach’s main concern. Anton Ponkrashov can’t be trusted long-term since the player is very inconsistent and hasn’t played a lot during the last season at CSKA Moscow. Dmitry Khvostov also goes to the Olympics after a below average season where he was Khimki’s third-string point-guard option. Shved and super-talented 18-year-old Sergey Karasev are the other possible names to be seen running the point for the Russian team.
The 2011 EuroBasket bronze medalists are obviously aiming to get a medal in London. The core of this team and David Blatt have been together for quite enough time already, and with talents like Shved and Karasev added, they will represent the best basketball team Russia has ever had.
Editor's Note: Vladimir Spivak is a journalist in Russia and one of the most well informed people in the business. He can be followed on twitter @selloutxboy. We really thank him for his contribution.
The championship at the 2007 EuroBasket is no doubt the biggest achievement in the history of Russian men’s basketball. And perhaps it will remain the one for at least few more years. That team, led by J. R. Holden and Andrei Kirilenko, will be remembered in the country forever, as it was limited talent-wise but strong as a great unit taught by a great coach.
This year, David Blatt brings to London the most skillful national team ever, with four starters of this team good enough to get decent minutes in the NBA.
It’s hard to compare his EuroLeague’s season to the ones he had in the NBA, but a lot of people are saying Kirilenko has been playing the best basketball of his career in 2012. And AK succeeded in translating his great shape into the postseason period. Kirilenko has always stated that the 2008 Beijing Olympics flag-bearing experience had been the best both in his basketball career and life. He takes this year’s tournament very serious too, and his desire to be a part of it was perhaps one of the main reasons for him staying at CSKA Moscow rather than joining an NBA club. We all know what AK47 is capable of, and he’ll be one of the stars at the London Olympics.
Only one thing in European basketball can make Kirilenko even better – playing alongside Viktor Khryapa, his long-time national team partner and friend. This duo is so much fun to watch, they just feel each other on some other level. Khryapa had a remarkable season for CSKA Moscow coming just short of the Euroleague title. He recently signed a new three-year extension with the Russian champions which will likely keep him at the club for the rest of his career. The power forward never announced it but there is a feeling this summer could be the last for him with the national team jersey.
Fresh of signing a multi-year deal with Minnesota, Alexey Shved will draw a lot of attention in London. He looks much more comfortable and confident in Russia’s jersey after a breakout 2011 EuroBasket campaign. Shved usually starts at two-guard for Russia but gets some time as a PG as well. He still makes a number of questionable decisions, driving Blatt crazy, but the T-Wolf has matured a lot during last season and enters the 2012 Olympic as one of Russia’s key players.
Shved performs at his best off pick-and-roll action with Timofey Mozgov, so far the only other Russian in the NBA. Mozgov twisted his ankle during the Olympic Qualifying Event in Venezuela earlier this month, but claims to be OK by now. He played 11 minutes and was perfect (4-for-4) from the field for Russia last Sunday as they thrashed Lithuania, 101-79, in a friendly game. Mozgov’s starting center role is in doubt though, with Sasha Kaun being in great shape and being Blatt’s favorite for this role at the moment.
We should also meet a new edition of Vitaly Fridzon in London. It’s safe to say that the most hard- working Russian player has finally reached an elite European level. He averaged 14.5 points in Venezuela, shooting almost 70%. Fridzon will be Blatt’s first option off the bench.
As to disadvantages of the Russian team, the point-guard position will be coach’s main concern. Anton Ponkrashov can’t be trusted long-term since the player is very inconsistent and hasn’t played a lot during the last season at CSKA Moscow. Dmitry Khvostov also goes to the Olympics after a below average season where he was Khimki’s third-string point-guard option. Shved and super-talented 18-year-old Sergey Karasev are the other possible names to be seen running the point for the Russian team.
The 2011 EuroBasket bronze medalists are obviously aiming to get a medal in London. The core of this team and David Blatt have been together for quite enough time already, and with talents like Shved and Karasev added, they will represent the best basketball team Russia has ever had.
Editor's Note: Vladimir Spivak is a journalist in Russia and one of the most well informed people in the business. He can be followed on twitter @selloutxboy. We really thank him for his contribution.
Posted by Rafael Uehara at Wednesday, July 25, 2012 11:25:52 AM 
Categories: FIBA
Tags: Vladimir Spivak
Categories: FIBA
Tags: Vladimir Spivak
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