Tournament Time…Lokos Setting the Bar

Hello everyone.

If you do not know this already my boyfriend and I are living in Russia this year. Some may ask why Russia? Well, this was the next step in a very bright career of basketball. Now I may not seem like much to the eye given my small physic, but I can cheer like none other from the side lines. And cheer I have this year.

It has been a year of many exciting things for both Ryan and I. It is his first year with a Euro League team and my first year out of school and living over seas full time. This year has been an amazing journey so far with the season Ryan has had. I may brag just a little bit, but it is true. Not only does Ryan have one of the highest 3 point percentages on his team, but in all of Europe. Currently he is shooting at 48.5% from behind the arc in Euro League. With that point being made he does not just fill the shoes of a shooter. Over the past three years of his professional career he has become a more well rounded player. He contributes his share of points, but also prevents them on defence. He plays the small forward, but is not afraid to get under the bucket and box out for the rebound. His over all contribution to the game is clear with his efficiency rating averaging at 11.75 between the two leagues.

Now clearly basketball is not a one man sport. There are five men on the court working together and more on the bench to cheer them on. There is a sort of chemistry to it all. Not like those found within marriage or blood relationship, this is different. It is the sharing of a common goal and the fiery passion to reach that goal. It brings very different beings together to work as a unite.  They begin to think alike. They cover one anothers backs. They use up every ounce of adrenaline within to jump that much high, run that much faster and fight that much harder to get the job done. They leave their blood, sweat and tears on those floor boards. That is what makes them one. That is what forms a real team.

By playing in such a manor the Lokomotiv Kuban team has accomplished another first. They have brought the success of the club to an entirely new level by making it to the Top 8 of Euro League. This is the best of the best in Europe. In their first match against Barcelona they were victorious and will hopefully continue with that result in tonights match.

Good Luck Lokomotiv Kuban!
By: Katie Albright