MADRID (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - There’s a familiar face back in the Belarus women’s national team this summer.
Olga Masilionene, 28, can play point guard, shooting guard, small forward.
Her most important position, though, is mother.
That’s why she wasn’t a part of last year’s team at the EuroBasket in Chieti, Italy, where Belarus won the bronze medal.
She spoke to FIBA.Com after Wednesday’s victory over Chinese Taipei.
FIBA: Welcome to Madrid. What do you think of Spain?
Olga Masilionene: I like Spain. It’s a really nice country and it is good weather for me. In Belarus, it is only 12 (degrees) so for me, it’s really summer (here).
FIBA: Olga, we’ve been hearing a lot about your return to the Belarus national team. Tell us about the big change you had in your life which kept you away for a while.
Olga Masilionene: (smiling) Well, three years ago … I’ve got a small baby now, a girl. I had one season off. Now I’m playing again and I’m, “Mommy”. I’m a happy mommy.
FIBA: Are your husband and child here with you in Madrid?
Olga Masilionene: No, but my husband and baby were with me in Riga where we had a tournament before this.
FIBA: So where are they now?
Olga Masilionene: My husband and baby are back in Lithuania. He’s a basketball player. His last season was in Lithuania. Now that we have a small baby, one of us had to finish the career, so it was him.
FIBA: So, your child could end up playing basketball one day as well?
Olga Masilionene: Yes, well for me, my baby is my world. First my baby, then basketball. I call them right after games and I say, “Hi, how are you” and they say, “Ah, you won … great.” There are so many emotions when I talk to them.
FIBA: On the court, in the two games that we have seen you play, it looks like you have really brought something to the team. You’re versatile. You can shoot, handle the ball, play good defense. But at the same time, Belarus clearly are not at their best, yet.
Olga Masilionene: We have good shooters, good players. Everyone can play. I like this. Hopefully we’ll be okay.
FIBA: Is Belarus a team that is going to get better and better?
Olga Masilionene: I hope. Today I can’t say, but I hope so. The Belarus school is like the Russian school. It’s the same, a strong school. Now we have a strong team, and I hope the next 10, 15, 20 years it will be the same.
FIBA: Tell us about Belarus.
Olga Masilionene: Belarus is a really nice country. So come to visit us.
FIBA: What does it mean for you to play for your country, Olga?
Olga Masilionene: We have a really good team, really good girls on this team and a very good coach. Everyone is friendly. Every time my season ends, I like to come back for the summer, I like coming back to say hi to everyone. Here I’m relaxed and I’m happy with my form.
FIBA: Do you want to say something to your family?
Olga Masilionene: (Smiling) Okay. Hey everyone, I love you.
FIBA
