Former Kansas University big man Sasha Kaun has a new accolade to put next to all of the ones he acquired in his four years as the Jayhawks' center. Kaun was part of history at the London Olympics as he and the rest of Team Russia became the first Russian team to medal at the Olympic since the break up of the Soviet Union.
After a heartbreaking loss to Spain in the semi-final, Russia was able to defeat Argentina and claim the bronze medal. Kaun told KU sports.com's Gary Bedore that he's proud of how the Russian national basketball program has grown. Kaun is also the first Jayhawk men's player to medal at the Olympics since Danny Manning, who was also one of Kaun's coaches at KU during the team's 2008 NCAA national title run.
“I am so fortunate to be considered with Danny. To be the first since Danny is phenomenal,” said Kaun, whose inside presence was vital in the victory over Argentina and its power forward deluxe Luis Scola.
Kaun says he received several text messages from all his teammates and coaches after Russia won the bronze. He currently is a member of European power house CSKA Moscow, where he has three years left on his deal.