(sorry for the translation)

http://www.ultimatenba.com

Becky Hammon is one of the best players in the WNBA. In the ranks of the San Antonio Silver Stars during the competition there, have signed this winter by Ros Casares Valencia. In the ranks of the San Antonio Silver Stars during the competition there, have signed this winter by Ros Casares Valencia. Behind him is a story the less curious. Behind him is a story the less curious.

I hope to Becky Hammon in the front row of the stands, watching the morning training of Ros Casares Valencia. I find it amazing the difference in stature and body between the U.S. and some of her companions, but I note that this handicap quickly offset by the exquisite quality and a devilish speed. The competition has swept draft. Do not be surprised, and I’m at one of the top WNBA players in recent years, which serves me very kind when he finished the session. Only his eyes shaded by a smile of film.

UltimateNBA.: The first thing I wanted to ask is how has the integration of a South Dakota woman to Spanish lifestyle, and more particularly the Mediterranean, how about your arrival in Valencia, your acclimation to their customs, their habits …?

Becky Hammon.: All facilities have been since the first day I landed in this city. Since my arrival I was waiting with an American flag and one Spanish, came several team representatives, media … all been easy. Then they were advising me what to do, what to eat … of course I said I had to try the paella, sangria, water … and especially Valencia oranges, which I love. It’s a great city and I’m happy because I can enjoy the sun most of the time, and beautiful weather.

U.: Was it easier than landing at Madrid to play for Rivas? U.:

BH.: Well, more or less similar, the reception, treatment of people … and although there does something more than cold in Valencia, there is not much difference. In general the Spanish are very friendly people and a very good deal, at least in the two cities where I lived, though of course in my first experience in Madrid there were things that troubled me and now you do not, as schedules and some customs.

U.: On your second leg in Spain has come to a team already formed, the best in Spain in recent years and one of the top powers in Europe. Did you enter the simple result of team dynamics, where roles are well defined and that it already had before you arrive with stars recognized?

BH.: It was a very smooth transition, I knew that was coming to one of the strongest teams in Europe, but all I have received great and made me feel one more from the first day, and I welcome, because all my mates are great players, with extensive track record and with a big sign, not only in Europe but also in the U.S., and despite being a group already formed when I arrived I have not had a single problem.

U: With Ros Casares you’ve got your first title (crown of the Queen), Do you see the team able to gain a treble (League, Cup and European Cup?

BH.: We are a winning team and with the potential to win it all. Of course the Spanish league is within reach, and I think we also have chances to win the European Cup, but certainly not easy, because the Russians not too strong. The ideal is to go game by game, respecting all our rivals and so confident we will succeed.

U.: Speaking of Europe, in 2008 your name was in vogue among the media worldwide for the sensitive decision to request Russian citizenship and thus be able to participate in some games. Very difficult to see your inclusion in the USA Team, decided to play with the caftan. This question’s you have done thousands of times, but it is my obligation. What was more painful, make that decision or having to take criticism from your country?

BH.: The issue is that my national team did not give me the opportunity, I think I deserve to integrate the selection and play for a medal in one Olympics one of my dreams. In my 31 years, the Russian team knocked on my door and it gave me the chance to get his jersey and take part in the Games. After thinking, I took that offer and I could play the best team possible and where I wanted, in one Olympics. They behaved wonderfully with me, both during my experience in CSKA as my stage in the selection and I’ve been to Russia and its people in my heart.

U: Did you have a bitter aftertaste bronze medal in those games, having managed in a different country you were born?

BH.: Winning that medal was the best for me and the whole process despite all the controversy and some problems, was the right decision and I am very happy with my bronze medal. I have a great team, I have nothing to reproach and of course we had no bitter taste, quite the contrary.

U.: On the way back to the USA, in your daily life or in your daily life or as a WNBA player you ever been in trouble for that? Do people reproach you?

BH: Noooo, people will have passed and it has clearly understood. It was very important that people understand that I never said no to the United States simply did not have the opportunity to play for your choice and I decided to do it for another country. Moreover, during the Games encouraged many Americans to Russia, something that made me very happy.

U.: In the year 2008 and already in his thirties, were the 2nd most voted player for the WNBA MVP award, maybe your butt at the individual level. Do you see yourself with the strength to repeat next season? Who is for you the best player of the moment?

BH.: Diana Taurasi is the best player today. It has an extremely high level, like other players like Cappie Pondexter, Lauren Jackson and Candace Parker of course, but today, Diana at No. 1 Regarding the MVP, has never been a goal for me and although I am happy to have been among the first, if the goal is to join the team wins the championship to qualify.

U.: What about the San Antonio Silver Stars, are able to do something great next season?

BH.: We have potential, have a good team, we have talented people working very well for this team can go far and we’re going to try, though of course not be easy because every year there are more level.

U: Who are the favorites, Mercury? “Sparks? “Sparks? “Shock? “Shock?

BH.: Well, there you see that this is going to the Shock in Tulsa … the Mercury are the current champions and must leave as favorites, remember that they have to Taurasi, the Sparks then you always have to count, I also in the group Favorite of the Minnesota Lynx and hope to us.

U.: Let’s talk briefly about NBA. Are you following the season?

BH.: The truth is that not too much, with the time difference and the practices and games I find it complicated, occasionally I see a party or take a look to the Internet, but actually I’m following this season, far less than other years.

U.: Do you have a favorite for the title? … because I assume that your favorite team is the Spurs …

BH. Of course!. The San Antonio Spurs are my favorite and although I realize that is not the number one favorite to win the title, I have complete confidence in Duncan. When I met him in a contest the All-Star Weekend, I was impressed, is spectacular. I really do not know who can take the ring this season, but I hope that San Antonio can do really well and go as far as possible.

U. Finally, the big question “LeBron or Kobe?

BH.: Yup, that is the most complicated questions throughout the interview. The truth is that I find it hard to choose, because they are two different players. Both are two superstars and players that dominate the league right now. They are both great and I get to know one.

U.: Becky Thank you very much, and you pretty much go here and there, we follow closely.