Jon Robert Holden

Jon Robert «J.R.»

Holden is a retired American Russian professional

basketball player and an Honored Master of Sports

Russia.

Jon Robert Holden

first dark-skinned basketball player in

the history of Russian national basketball

team. He played for the

Russian national team at the European

Championships in 2005 and 2007 and

the Olympics in 2008.

Holden's biggest achievement came in

the 2007 FIBA European

Championship final game against Spain, where he scored the

winning shot that gave Russia the

championship. He scored the final

winning basket with 2 seconds left in the

game.

Career highlights and awards• 2x Euroleague Champion (2006, 2008)

• Russian League Player of the Year (2003)

• United League Final Four MVP (2010)

• Euroleague 2001-10 All-Decade Team

Jon Robert HoldenNo. 10

Point guard / Shooting guard

Born: August 10, 1976 (age 37) Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania Nationality: American / Russian His height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) His weight: 185 lb (84 kg)

On October 20, 2003, Holden became a

Russian citizen by decree of President Vladimir Putin. He currently

maintains dual American and Russian citizenship.

Both American and Russian boys and young basketball players were full of admiration for him and followed his steps. That's great!