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BEIJING – The Olympic women’s basketball tournament just got a whole lot more interesting.

The United States will face Russia on Thursday for a spot in the gold medal game. Along with all the lingering cold war sentiment inherent to any game between the countries, the game also has an melodramatic twist.

The Russian point guard is South Dakota native Becky Hammon, who has taken heavy criticism playing for the country where she and many other American stars play professionally.

“I guess this is the match-up that you guys have all been waiting for,” Hammon said with a smile.

Hammon has clearly tired of the topic, as it has been covered in many places, including Harvey Araton’s fine column here earlier this week.

But she took a few questions tonight after the Russians overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Spain, 84-65.

“I was in the womb when all of that was going on,” Hammon said of the cold war. “I grew up in a different era. This is sports, it’s never been a political statement on my end. I don’t agree with everything that our government does, and I don’t agree with everything the Russian government does.”

Anne Donovan has gone as far to say that Hammon’s actions are “not patriotic.” But the underlying irony to the situations is that one generation’s cold war nemesis is another’s opportunity for cold, hard cash. Hammon is one of dozens of Americans being paid exponentially more in the Russian professional leagues than in the W.N.B.A.

“You’re going to look down at any roster and see two or three Americans,” she said. “They treat us very good. We have personal drivers everywhere we want to go. They take good care of us. I’m not shocked that people are going over there for the kind of money that they’re throwing at the girls.”

As for her decision now that the Olympics are here, Hammon expressed no regrets. 

“Its about meeting people and impacting lives,” she said. “If my story has motivated just one little girl on American or Russian soil to dream big and go after it, to me it’s all worth it.” 
The American players, who are also tired of talking about this, are giving stock answers to Hammon questions.

“We know she’s going to be there, you guys know she’s going to be there,” said U.S.A. guard Sue Bird. “She’s playing for Russia right now, and like the rest of that team that makes her the enemy.” 

Hammon’s story has been a divisive one back in the States, and all parties acknowledge why it can be perceived as a big deal. Drop your thoughts on her decision to play for Russia in the comments section.

BEIJING – The Olympic women’s basketball tournament just got a whole lot more interesting.

The United States will face Russia on Thursday for a spot in the gold medal game. Along with all the lingering cold war sentiment inherent to any game between the countries, the game also has an melodramatic twist.

The Russian point guard is South Dakota native Becky Hammon, who has taken heavy criticism playing for the country where she and many other American stars play professionally.

“I guess this is the match-up that you guys have all been waiting for,” Hammon said with a smile.

Hammon has clearly tired of the topic, as it has been covered in many places, including Harvey Araton’s fine column here earlier this week.

But she took a few questions tonight after the Russians overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Spain, 84-65.

“I was in the womb when all of that was going on,” Hammon said of the cold war. “I grew up in a different era. This is sports, it’s never been a political statement on my end. I don’t agree with everything that our government does, and I don’t agree with everything the Russian government does.”

Anne Donovan has gone as far to say that Hammon’s actions are “not patriotic.” But the underlying irony to the situations is that one generation’s cold war nemesis is another’s opportunity for cold, hard cash. Hammon is one of dozens of Americans being paid exponentially more in the Russian professional leagues than in the W.N.B.A.

“You’re going to look down at any roster and see two or three Americans,” she said. “They treat us very good. We have personal drivers everywhere we want to go. They take good care of us. I’m not shocked that people are going over there for the kind of money that they’re throwing at the girls.”

As for her decision now that the Olympics are here, Hammon expressed no regrets. 

“Its about meeting people and impacting lives,” she said. “If my story has motivated just one little girl on American or Russian soil to dream big and go after it, to me it’s all worth it.” 
The American players, who are also tired of talking about this, are giving stock answers to Hammon questions.

“We know she’s going to be there, you guys know she’s going to be there,” said U.S.A. guard Sue Bird. “She’s playing for Russia right now, and like the rest of that team that makes her the enemy.” 

Hammon’s story has been a divisive one back in the States, and all parties acknowledge why it can be perceived as a big deal. Drop your thoughts on her decision to play for Russia in the comments section.

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