J.R. Holden's jumper with 2.1 seconds left secured Russia their first-ever EuroBasket title with a thrilling 60-59 victory over reigning world champions and hosts Spain.

Pau Gasol had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but his mid-range jumpshot went in and out, leaving Spain to collect their sixth European silver medal.

Russian first-deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov has paid tribute to the Russian basketball team following their remarkable last-gasp victory over hosts Spain in the final of the European Championships on Sunday.

Ivanov, considered a possible successor to president Vladimir Putin, welcomed the players to the Russian Government House in Moscow.

Another comeback try David Blatt made a risky decision in agreeing to take over as coach of the Russian National Team.

The drawn-out process of rebuilding the once great national side has already morphed Blatt’s new coaching position from desirable to repellent for local experts.

Last summer Andrei Kirilenko, arguably one of the best European players today, asked newly appointed head coach David Blatt for permission to stay in the USA to be 100% ready for the new NBA season. Instead of helping his countrymen qualify for EuroBasket 2007, Andrei came to Los Angeles where a special training program was designed to help him gain weight and practice his mid-range shot.