(...) After the holidays, I joined the Russian national team and it has begun training for the World Championship. We are currently working on the training camp at UNICS Vasiliev, near Kazan.

(...)"Sparta and K" has offered to extend my contract, but I also received several interesting offers from foreign clubs. After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided to stay in Moscow, because despite budget cuts, my team next season will be very impressive...

(...) I have spent a difficult season, but friendly atmosphere and unity of players have helped me to overcome all difficulties which I have faced. There were many high points, one very sad event and many mad and ridiculous stories! All will remain in my memory as the most unusual and tremendous basketball year in my career!

After a hard semi-final against UMMC (big victory over UMMW 87-79), Ilona and Spartak defeated Valencia 87-80 (in Valencia)!.

>>>>

Video of the final - see FIBAEUROPE.COM

Last month was so full of basketball events that I have not even celebrated March 8 (women's day)... All my thoughts and time were devoted to training and matches. First, we have won a ticket to the Euroleague Final Four, won two heavy victory over Fenerbahce. At second, we advanced to the playoff of the championship of Russia, beating UMMC in the final match in the guest arena! ...

(...)
Experiencing for our athletes in Canada, I immediately think of all their experiences and feelings that are experienced at the Summer Games. Being in the incredible Olympic atmosphere, immediately penetrates the special team spirit, the spirit of one country....

Therefore, after these comments, I am a little sad that women's basketball still remains in the shadows, and it is rarely broadcast on television. Also I would like to see more fans at our games... . Come and support us in the playoffs and the Euroleague championship in Russia!

(...)
Later, we have started the Euroleague play-offs, and we have win against Gdynia 2-0. (*98-49 and *69-91). We are qualified for the 1/4, and we will play against Fenerbahce with the hope to reach the Final Four.

(...) I wish you to leave in leaving year all failures and a hardship... and in New Year – to realise all secret plans and dreams! Be happy, successful, healthy and favourite! Bright vital victories, the pleasure and has more than positive! Love basketball and support the Russian players!

(...) I wish to express my condolences to those affected by the tragedy on the railway between Moscow and San Petersburg. I was shocked by this news. I am from San Petersburg, and several times I went between the two capitals of the "Nevsky Express" (...)
We had a lot of away games in the last month, and everywhere, we reported the victory. We have visited Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic. (...)

(...) Sadness has frozen our hearts... We suddenly lost a friend, father, protector. Shabtai loved life, he enjoyed every second of it. He was an extraordinary man, a bright personality. He loved to joke, telling jokes, laughing... (...) The whole team of Spartak mourns the irreparable loss. We do not understand why and what we have been deprived of such a unique person.
Memory of Shabtai von Kalmanovich forever remains in our hearts...

(...) For the first time, the European Supercup took place in Vidnoje... The idea of this match is the following: the champion of Euroleague (Spartak) should battle to the owner of the Eurocup (Galatasaray) of last season (...). Spartak won 92-59...(...)
I did not play for a long time before such quantity of fans which very actively supported us (...)

Илона Корстин: «I have signed the contract to Spartak Moscow for a period of one year.... I am very glad to sign to such a strong team which has won three times the Euroleague, and I hope to be of use for the new collective»... >>>