RUS – Holden defends fellow American Hammon’s decision to play for Russia

BEIJING (Olympics) – Before Russia had Becky Hammon, they had JR Holden.

The Pennsylvania-born point guard received his Russian citizenship long before South Dakota native Hammon and played at the last two EuroBaskets.

Holden even made the winning basket in the final seconds of EuroBasket 2007 to win the gold medal for Russia in Madrid.

Unlike Hammon, though, Holden didn’t come under scrutiny back in the US for representing one of America’s biggest rivals.

Holden poured in 19 points on Sunday to lead Russia to a 71-49 win over Iran and then spoke exclusively to FIBA.com.

FIBA: The story of the summer has been Becky Hammon's decision to play for Russia. You are also an American and became a naturalised Russian back in 2005. What do you make of all the attention Hammon has received?

Holden: I really like Becky and think she is a nice person. She plays for CSKA (women’s team) so I got to hang around with her and got to know her. She is just a great person and I think she just took advantage of an opportunity to play at the Olympics. Who wouldn't do that? I feel bad (for her). She took some hits from the outside. She knows. She has so much class and she is happy. She is a US citizen, she knows that. I think she is going to breathe red, white and blue. But it's basketball. To be given a chance to be in this environment and to be a part of the opening ceremony, do you think she should miss that just because she is not Russian. I think that is so unfair to her.

FIBA: It didn’t cause much of a stir back in the US when you accepted the chance to play for Russia. What do you think was the difference?

Holden: I don't play in the United States while of course she plays in the WNBA. She is a great player, one of the top players there. She was going to catch a little bit of grief but she is a great player and I'm so glad she is getting a chance to come here and show that and play in front of these people, in front of the world.

FIBA: Many athletes say the first Olympic test is the most challenging. You must be very happy with the 71-49 triumph over Iran.

Holden: It was a good start. We were expected to win the game and there was a little bit of pressure on us. It was our first game and we were a little nervous but we got the win we wanted. Iran put some pressure on us, but we managed to hold on.

FIBA: Next up for Russia is Croatia, a team you know well having played against them and beat them in the qualifying round of last year's EuroBasket. How challenging is this game going to be?

Holden: We know we have to get better. We know Croatia are a better team, they have a lot more stars on their team. We want to play a lot better although we did a good job limiting Iran to less than 50 points. It was a good defensive effort and a good first game for us.

FIBA: We were delighted to see that Viktor Khryapa made it to the team because he was a big doubt with his ankle injury. Coach Blatt says he’s playing at about 60%. How important is he for the national team?

Holden: Honestly, he is our second best player in our team behind Andrei Kirilenko. He can do everything. He can post, shoot the ball, dribble. He is just a great player and we definitely need him. I think the more games he plays, the better he will get.

FIBA: How much did Khryapa's injury affect the team in the preparations for the Olympics?

Holden: It was a little bit hard with Khryapa getting hurt. But everybody is starting to get their rhythm and I think we will get better each and every game. I think the preparations for the Olympics have gone very well. We played some tough games. We played against Spain in Spain. We played against the United States so at least we were able to gain confidence and know that we can compete at this level.

FIBA: What kind of Russia can we expect to see at the Olympics and how much has the team grown since clinching gold at last year's EuroBasket in Madrid?

Holden: I think everybody has gotten better. We went through a year with our clubs. Everyone is back and we are stronger and older. We might be a bit slower (Holden smiles). I think we are a pretty good team and if we play well and together, we will be a tough team to beat.

FIBA