FIBA - Profile of 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup wild card candidate: Russia

MIES (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - On 1 February 2014, FIBA's Central Board will announce the national teams that will be the recipients of the four wild cards to complete the field at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Fifteen national teams from across four FIBA zones submitted their applications for the wild cards. They all participated in their respective 2013 continental championships which are qualifying tournament for FIBA's flagship event in Spain next year (30 August-14 September 2014).

The 15 candidates are: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Turkey and Venezuela.

In the lead-up to the decision on 1 February, we will profile all 15 applicants.

Today we look at Russia (RUS).

Recent history in international competitions: One summer after winning the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Russia slumped to a First Round exit at EuroBasket 2013 with a 1-4 record. The Russians lost to Italy, Greece, Sweden and Finland before finishing their tournament on a high note by knocking off Turkey 89-77. It was the first time they failed to get as far as the European Championship Quarter-Finals since first appearing as Russia in 1993. The European highlight came in 2007 when Russia won the EuroBasket crown in Spain. Runners-up in 1993, Russia took third place in 1997 and added a fourth podium finish in 2011 with third place in Lithuania. The bronze medal in London was Russia's only Olympic podium finish, having taken eighth place in 2000 and ninth in 2008. Russia have appeared in four FIBA World Championships, finishing second in 1994 and 1998. After taking 10th in 2002, Russia missed the 2006 edition of FIBA's flagship event and claimed seventh place in Turkey after getting a wild card in 2010.

Yulia Anikeeva, the President of the Russian Basketball Federation, took time to make her country's case for receiving a wild card.

FIBA: What are the three main reasons why Russia deserves to receive a wild card to participate in the 2014 FIBA World Cup?
Anikeeva: 1. The history of basketball in Russia is full of great moments and glorious victories. This refers to results in recent years as well, especially taking into account the triumph at EuroBasket 2007 and the third place at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This record proves that our national team deserves to be granted the chance to participate in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. 2. Russia's national team is striving for great victories and motivation of the players to ensure that the entire basketball community in Russia stays at the top. The setback at EuroBasket 2013 has only strengthened the desire to prove that Russian basketball is still among the best in the world and deserves to remain there. Moreover, the participation of the Russian national team at any international event always guarantees excitement. Our team has the willingness and character to fight until the end. 3. The participation of the Russian national team in, without a doubt, the most important basketball competition will increase the TV audience figures around the world and the attention to the event itself.

FIBA: If given a wild card, how competitive can we expect Russia to be and how confident are you that the team will feature all its leading/best players?
Anikeeva: Russia's national team has a very competitive roster consisting of highly-experienced players who already know the taste of the victory and its price. We also have young gifted talent who have shown good results in the NBA and are ready to prove they deserve to be in the national team. Evgeniy Pashutin, the recently appointed head coach of the national team, has shown great and even unexpected results. Being in charge of the national team is a great honour and he has very serious intentions regarding the performance of the Russian team at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup - if the team is granted the chance to be part of the competition. We believe that all these factors and attitude of those responsible for basketball in our country will guarantee high results, as well as high quality and exciting basketball.

FIBA: How will having your national team play at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup help the growth, development and popularity of the sport in your country?
Anikeeva: When talking about the importance of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the development of Russian basketball, it is important to mention that participation and good results of the national team at international events in past years has made a great impact on the promotion of the sport. Over the last 10 years, the number of participants in the Children's Championship has increased five times - in 2003, there were around 100 teams in Russia and there are 500 today. We have almost 2,000 FIBA licensed players (1,110 men and 849 women) and many more amateurs. These numbers have a connection with the performance of the Russian team at international competitions, giving opportunities for the younger generation both in sports and in life. Without the slightest doubt, the participation of the national team at the the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup would increase the interest in the sport and assist its promotion in the country, which is essential for its future.

FIBA: What do you consider as the greatest moment in your country's basketball history?
Anikeeva: When talking about the most important event in the basketball history of Russia, the first thing that comes to mind of course is the brilliant victory at EuroBasket 2007 and the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. But it is important to say that our basketball community is aiming for even better results and believes that Russia can become the leading power is this great sport. Our belief and willingness as well as readiness to work hard provides a solid framework for a brilliant future of basketball in Russia.

FIBA