“We started our mission in 2005 and i think since that time we've achieved some success. My wife Maria and I have organized training camps in a number of Russian cities. And we're currently doing our best to get involved in as many charity events as possible,” Andrey Kirilenko said.

He has twice made the NBA all-defensive team, so Kirilenko devoted the majority of his master-class to defensive skills. The young players learned how to play one-one and make a perfect pick.

“Of course, my lessons are mostly for kids. But I think it might be useful for coaches as well. Because with my NBA experience I know how to organize the training process in order to get the best result,” Andrey Kirilenko said.

Kirilenko had a decent season with Utah Jazz, but they were eliminated from the play-offs by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

However, his main tournament of the year is yet to be played. Russia will start their European title defense in Poland in September. After a disappointment at the Beijing Olympics, it will be the toughest of tasks to win Eurobasket for the second time in a row.

“We played well at the Olympics, but were very unfortunate. We always lacked some luck at the end of all the games. Obviously, it will be hard to win in Poland, but no-one considered us favorites two years ago as well. So all teams have the same chance before the tournament starts,” Andrey Kirilenko said.

Kirilenko was Eurobasket's MVP two years ago and has achieved huge success in his professional career, but what makes him a great personality in his homeland is his behavior off the court.