CSKA Samara signs former NBA player Vetra as coach

Sep 15, 2007 - 7:31 PM SAMARA, Russia (Ticker) - Former Minnesota Timberwolves guard Gundars Vetra has signed a one-year deal to coach CSKA Samara's women.

CSKA sporting director, and the coach of Russia women's national team, Igor Grudin believes that Vetra's experience makes his signing a coupe for the club.

"Gundars Vetra was a very good player and won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 1992," Grudin told the club's official web site. "He worked in Russia with Ural Great and has worked for Latvia's national team.

"He has never worked with a women's club, but he is experienced and a clever coach and everything will be OK."

CSKA Samara also has signed three new players.

Forward Irina Sokolovskaya, 24, has signed from Vologda-Chevakata on a one-year contract after averaging 12.2 points last season.

Becky Hammon, 30, of the San Antonio Silver Stars has signed a two-year contract after eight years in the WNBA, and 27-year-old forward Asjha Jones has moved from Dynamo Energiya.