Russia has appeared strong in this tournament despite being without versatile forward  Andrei Kirilenko. Their other former NBA player, Victor Kryhapa, has not been playing either.  Their only loss, to Turkey, came as no surprise, as Hedo Turkoglu, Ersan Ilyasova, and the rest of the Turkish team has been great playing in their home country for this tournament.   Sasha Kaun has been a bright spot for Russia, as well.  He went late in the second round of the NBA draft, but has looked to be worth much more in play throughout.  His lanky and gangly frame allows him to squirm his way for open looks.  Thus far he is averaging 11.5 ppg.

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