July 4, 2013
USA Basketball 94, UNICS 60 (Exhibition): Box Score
USA Basketball 94, UNICS 60 (Exhibition): Story from USA Basketball
Previous From Russia with Love blog posts
From Russia with Love: Alex Kirk Blogs from Kazan
Editor’s Note:>Alex Kirk sent over this blog after the USA Team defeated UNICS, a professional team from Russia, 94-60.
Day two here in Russia was a lot better than the first. Before practice we raised our flag in the flag area with all the USA athletes, which was awesome to do on the day of our independence.
We had our first scrimmage vs UNICS, a Russian professional team here in Kazan. They were missing their better players and their two Americans because the season is over right now. They were a good opening game because of how different the European game is compared to back home. We struggled with how the refs were calling a foul on almost every drive to the basket. Also the traveling call is going to be a struggle because after a pump fake you have to put the ball on the floor right away before you take a step. We got better with it as the game went on.
We won tonight’s game 94-60. Our high scorer was Luke Hancock from Louisville and our MVP was Treyvon Graham from VCU. He almost had a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds. I ended up with one point and eight rebounds in about 10 minutes of play. (editors note: Alex tied for the team lead in rebounds).
The atmosphere was great with about 8000 fans that cheered for both teams, which was surprising. The fans here are much different than the ones back home. There is more celebration and thanks to the fans in the opening ceremony before the game. Also they laugh and boo at you if you miss a free throw or layup.
Tomorrow will be a new challenge because we scrimmage against the host country Russia when the athletes all meet up in an event welcoming the USA to Russia. The food here is getting better each day and everyone is adapting to the new environment well. The best part of this all is meeting the different individuals from all around the world.
As I write this at dinner I am surrounded by a Japanese group, Brazilians, and a group from Croatia, while talking to two South Africans telling us how they are coming to Vegas after the games. Hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July back home!
AK