But in the Russian Superleague, the dim and grim of the USSR has been replaced by something closer to NBA bling.

When CSKA Moscow, the former Red Army team, goes on the road, there's no queuing in airports, no need to drive anywhere, no need to venture out in 30cm of snow and the -10C that chills the inside of your bones.

The CSKA players' only need to exert energy involves playing and winning basketball games, just as they have done all season, going 42-1 through Superleague and Euroleague play to be the dominant team on the Continent.

The surrounds of Italy, where David Andersen played for five years, are more glamorous, but his move to CSKA Moscow has been a winner in terms of money, team achievement, personal development and being a step closer to the NBA.

"We've got a great general manager who's trying to make it as close to the NBA as possible," Andersen, who has a personal driver when required, said from Moscow. "That's what we're working towards."

It is a great scenario for Andersen, the gangly kid from Frankston who, at 212cm, is one of the premier big men in European basketball.

His numbers are good, his game continues to develop and he has learnt to exert a presence and influence on the court.

That progress could see Andersen, who played centre for the Boomers at last year's Athens Olympics, playing in the NBA next season.

The Atlanta Hawks own his draft rights but, having established himself in Europe, he will go to the NBA on his terms.

"My agent will be talking to Atlanta, so something might happen soon," Andersen said.

"They might want me to go there and play summer league.

"But if I go to the NBA, it has to be for the right money and I want to be able to play. I don't want to just sit on the bench.

"But I can't get ahead of myself. I've just got to try to keep playing good basketball and stay healthy.

"I might go to the NBA, but things are going well here."

That's fair enough from a man who made a name for himself in Europe last year as the playoff MVP while leading Sienna to the Italian championship.

This season, Andersen is helping CSKA's seemingly unstoppable march to another title. Averaging 12.9 ppg and 7.2 rebounds, Andersen quickly overcame glandular fever over Christmas to perform so well in Russia and in the top-quality Euroleague, which will play this season's Final Four in Moscow.

"People recognise and respect me around European basketball," Andersen said.

"A couple of Euroleague teams have tried to rough me up and put me off my game.

"But my team always looks out for me and I really want to work hard and help the team. It's a good group for me.

"The coach has really helped and treats me as an experienced player.

"I'm still only 24, but he treats me like I'm 28. He knows I can handle myself in tough situations."

The maturity of Andersen, who left Australia as a teenager after time at the AIS and one NBL season with the Wollongong Hawks, is obvious.

He is now an excellent basketball import, albeit one we will not see at home too often.

Andersen enjoys Moscow and loved Italy, so Europe or the US will be his home for at least the next decade.

Not that he forgets about home, having bought a Leongatha farm that his parents will operate. He also sees it as a great off-season getaway place.

Andersen, who speaks fluent Italian, is learning Russian with his brother Grant, who lives with him in Moscow.

There is much more to living in Russia than basketball and visits to the Kremlin and Red Square.

"It's all about taking the next step in life," Andersen said. "It's about getting better as a person and a basketballer."

Not to mention getting closer to the NBA.

Herald Sun