Andrei Kirilenko

The talent has always been there for Russia. But since 1998, the national team has failed to step foot on a podium in an international competition. This could change in 2005 as Russia, led by NBA superstar Andrei Kirilenko and a group of promising youngsters, will be a very dangerous challenger. Sergei Babkov is now at the helm and will try to provide his team with the competitive spirit that made him a great player in the 90’s.

Once the USSR disappeared for good in 1991, and after the short episode of the Commonwealth of Independent States’ team which was put together for the 1992 Olympic Games, Russia seemed destined for greatness. A talented generation led by Mikhail Mikhailov, Andrei Fetisov and Sergei Bazarevich among others, captured a silver medal at EuroBasket 93 and reached the final of the World Championship the following year, losing to the United States and Dream Team II. After a bronze medal at EuroBasket 97, the Russians repeated the feat, losing this time to Yugoslavia in Athens 98. Since then, disappointment has been a regular feature as the national team has failed to make it past the quarter-finals in a major international tournament and could not qualify for the 2004 Olympics. Talent has never been a problem but consistency during a whole tournament was always a question mark.

But things could change in this year's EuroBasket as the new generation that had taken over the national team in 2003 has gained experience. A new coach is also in charge and brings much needed charisma to the bench. For many years, Sergei Babkov was one of the most efficient two guards on the Continent and his voice will be heard, and more importantly, listened to.

A winning spirit can also be felt in Russia as the Under 20 team won the European Championship in Chehkov in July, guided by another former player, Evgeny Pashutin.

		Vasily Karasev

At 31, Pashutin’s brother Zakhar will be one of the few remaining veterans on the squad, along with Nikita Morgunov (30) and Vasily Karasev (34). Despite his age, Karasev, who won the silver medal at EuroBasket 1993, was the second leading scorer and best passer during last September’s qualifying round. A sign of a great work ethic and good health but also a problem for Russia as the point guard position has long been looking for fresh blood. And help is on the way thanks to American J.R. Holden who received Russian citizenship last summer. A new passport but the same player, a dribble wizard able to catch fire from the outside at any time. Of course, Holden will have to keep his game under control but his experience driving one of Europe’s best squads, CSKA Moscow, will be a valuable asset to the national team.

Great news as on the wings, few teams at EuroBasket will be able to match Russia’s talent level that will feature a trio of NBA players all aged 24 and under. The star of the team will be, once again, Andrei Kirilenko. The Utah Jazz forward missed 41 games this season due to various injuries but remains a unique player, able to dominate the game on both ends of the court with his fantastic rebounding and shot blocking skills. Victor Khryapa fits the same description of an athletic forward able to intimidate opposing players. Khryapa also had his share of injuries being sidelined for 50 games. Still, coming back from a foot injury he showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season with the Portland Trailblazers. Next year he will be joined in Oregon by another talented forward, Sergei Monya, also selected in the 2004 NBA draft. Monya is stronger physically than his two colleagues but has a deadly outside touch.

This formidable frontline was already on display during EuroBasket 2003, accounting for more than 50% of Russia's points and rebounds ! With two years of professional experience this trio will be one of the major attractions of the competition in Serbia & Montenegro. Able to navigate between the 2, 3 and 4 positions Kirilenko, Khryapa and Monya will leave very few minutes to shooter Pashutin or defensive specialist Dmitri Domani.

		Nikita Morgunov

In the paint, Russia will count on its centimeters to rule the boards. All four centers called by coach Sergei Babkov in its pre-selection are 2.10 m or taller ! Most of them are not very gifted offensive players and that is the reason why veteran Nikita Morgunov is back after a two year absence. His great shooting touch will nicely complement a group of big guys who excel at the defensive end. Alexei Savrasenko is a great "guard tower" while Fedor Likholitov is incredibly quick and athletic for a player of his size. Dmitri Sokolov was called to the national team with two other U20 European champions (Fridzon and Ponkrashov).

It is tough to judge Russia according to their qualifying round record. In a group of only three teams, the national team easily dominated Sweden and split two games with Croatia. Kirilenko played in only two games while Khryapa and Monya were missing and J.R. Holden was still waiting for his new citizenship. The addition of the American born point-guard could be the difference maker as all the EuroBasket favourites will want to avoid playing against this Russian side, for who anything seems possible.