Published: 26 September, 2007, 07:53
Edited: 26 September, 2007, 07:53
Fresh from helping Russia win basketball's European crown, two NBA stars have returned to their homeland. Andrey Kirilenko, also known as AK-47, and Viktor Khryapa showed off their skills with underprivileged children at the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
The exhibition was part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of U.S.-Russian diplomatic relations.
Most of the attention was focused on Kirilenko's future in the States.
The future of Kirilenko remains uncertain after he admitted wanting a transfer from his NBA team, the Utah Jazz. The Russian star blames differences with coach Jerry Sloan as the main reason.
Kirilenko even mentioned Moscow powerhouse CSKA as one of the options, causing mass-hysteria among Russian basketball fans.
However, the European Championships MVP (most valuable player) made it clear he would not comment on the situation.
After going through some basic basketball drills with a group of Moscow and Embassy kids, the duo proceeded to an exhibition game with embassy employees and some Russian showbiz celebrities.
Kirilenko displayed all types of fancy moves, including no-look passes, He also incorporated some Harlem Globetrotters-type acting, engaging in a fool-around fight with Khryapa and even getting a technical for that.