Behind the Iron Curtain. Well, times have certainly changed. Remember when people literally risked their lives to escape from communist countries in Eastern Europe?

Perhaps some of you reading this are too young. But the BasketCases are old enough to recall a young Martina Navratilova fleeing her native Czechoslovakia for freedom, fame, and fortune in the United States of America. Lo and behold, more than three decades later, Martina has now returned to the Czech Republic and regained her Czech citizenship.

Not to be outdone, WNBA star Becky Hammon, who as far as we know grew up in and fled only from South Dakota (no disrespect to Megan Vogel, but why would you stay?), has now become . . . a Russian citizen!

Why, you might ask. Is Becky in love with subzero temperatures, snow, or Red Square? Has she discovered a certain penchant for blinis? (Perhaps!) Did she watch Dr. Zhivago too many times? The BasketCases aren't quite sure, but we do know that Becky's new Russian citizenship allows her to become a member of the Russian National Team and compete for Russia in this Summer's Olympic Games. Hhmmm.

All-American, blond, basketball-playing, girl-next-door, Becky Hammon . . . a Russian? Would someone please pass the vodka?