Though many Americans refused to play in Russia in solidarity with Brittney Griner, the country was the only option for some. benpickman on a pair of American teammates who did, why they went, what it was like being there and if they’ll return…
, who had previously played in Russia but opted for clubs in other countries. Yet even with the U.S. State Department labeling Russia as a “do not travel” destination, more than three dozen American athletes played on Russian teams across a variety of sports, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Hollingshed knew little about the club she was joining. She was aware that Novosibirsk had matched the money from her unfulfilled Italian contract, paying her just shy of $10,000 per month. And prior to arriving in early October, her research showed the Russian league was historically among the best in the world.
Still, Hollingshed said, she, overall, felt safe there. Despite the conflict and a significant language barrier, her American agent had a Russian business partner who served as a vital go-between in conversations with club officials, which increased her comfort. She always traveled in twos. She watched her surroundings closely, however. With her other Black teammates — Beverly-Kelley and La Mama Kapinga-Maweja, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo — she said she felt “eyes on us.
Beverly-Kelley also felt her game improved. One of her goals in Russia was to generate future interest, and she sought to show teams she could facilitate as well as score. Novosibirsk won just 11 of its 32 games, but Beverly-Kelley led the Russian league in scoring and took home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Diablo 4 community herald Blizzard for 'smoothest ever' launch - though PS5 owners disagreeICYMI: Diablo 4 community herald Blizzard for “smoothest ever” launch – though PS5 owners disagree Diablo4 Diablo Blizzard DiabloIV
Read more »
Lilibet's birthday will be 'all American affair - laid-back but celeb guests'EXCLUSIVE: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's daughter Princess Lilibet is celebrating her 2nd birthday, with royal expert Jennie Bond suggesting how she could be marking the day
Read more »
American basketball is entering a more competitive eraThanks to internationalisation and a tighter salary cap
Read more »
Jason Segel Says He Was 'Really Unhappy' During Part Of How I Met Your MotherThough his career appeared outwardly successful, the actor felt that 'something was off'.
Read more »