With the move to Riga and the 2009 EuroBasket Women Qualifying Round, the arrival of point guard Becky Hammon to the Russian national team nears ever closer. And the reigning champions are anxiously waiting.

"She's part of the team and we can't wait for her to get here," said Russian small forward Svetlana Abrosimova of Hammon.

"Obviously she's a great point guard and a great shooter from the outside. She's experienced and that's something we need in the back court and something she really gives us.

The Russian national team confirmed before the Preliminary Round that the American-born playmaker is due to leave the United States on June 13 and arrive on June 14.

Russia's second game in the Qualifying Round against Italy will take place on June 14 and the final game before the Quarter-Finals is versus France on June 16.

"She really plays tough in big games and we will need somebody in the quarter-finals and semi-finals who can take the last shot. We have players who can take the last shot, but she will give us another threat," added Abrosimova.

Russia advanced to the Qualifying Round with a perfect 3-0 record from the Preliminary Round Group C.
But Hammon will undoubtedly help the Russians, especially in their ball handling.

After his team committed 20 turnovers in the opening victory over Turkey, Russian coach Valeriy Tikhonenko said the squad must concentrate more with the ball. He said 12 turnovers would be more acceptable for the team.

But Russia lost the ball 16 times in a blow-out against Serbia and then had 18 turnovers against Lithuania in the final Preliminary Round.

Russian forward Tatiana Shchegoleva looks forward to having Hammon back on board - also off the court.
"She is a great player and also a great person. I know she will help us inside the team and on the court. I think we will be much better with her," she said.