Curse The Russian Invasion, Two Ukrainian Basketball Players In The NBA Release Joint Statement: Hold On! In Togetherness There Is Strength

JAKARTA - Two Ukrainian basketball players who are currently pursuing careers in the NBA, namely Sacramento Kings center Alex Len and Toronto Raptors forward Svi Mykhailiuk condemned the invasion by the Russian military into their hometown.

Len and Mykhailiuk on Friday released a joint statement on personal social media each hoping the war would end soon and sending a message of encouragement to their compatriots back home.

"An extraordinary tragedy has befallen our homeland Ukraine. We firmly condemn war," the statement read.

"Ukraine is a peaceful and sovereign nation of people who want to determine their own destiny. We wish the best for their family, friends, relatives and everyone on the territory of Ukraine."

"We hope that this terrible war ends soon. Dear Ukrainian comrades, endure! In togetherness there is strength. We are with you!"

The joint statement by Len and Mykhailiuk drew sympathy from the NBA Professional Basketball Association (NBPA), which also wished the best for both their families and the people of Ukraine.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the recent events in Ukraine, in particular our Ukrainian friends Alex Len and Svi Mykhailiuk and their families in these difficult times," the NBPA tweeted on their official Twitter account, @TheNBPA. .

Len was born in Antratyst, Ukraine, played basketball there for Dnitpropetrovsk Higher College and represented his country in several FIBA tournaments and had a career in the Ukrainian Super Basketball League with BC Dnipro club.

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— Svi Mykhailiuk (@Sviat_10) February 24, 2022

After two seasons studying at the University of Maryland, Len entered the NBA as the fifth pick for the 2013 NBA Draft, recruited by the Phoenix Suns. This is his second tenor to defend the Kings after also having tasted performances with the Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards.

Mykhailuk only entered the NBA through the 2018 Draft when the Cherkasy-born player was recruited as the 47th choice by the Los Angeles Lakers. He defended Ukraine in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and before joining the Raptos had uniformed for the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder.