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Quite a Dynamo — Hansen and wife make a difference in Moscow
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Eric B | 6:16 a.m. April 23, 2008
It has been fun to follow Travis' career in Europe. He had two great years
with Tau Ceramica in Spain after leaving the Atlanta Hawks. I believe Tau
finished 2nd and 3rd in the Euroleague those two years. Because he speaks
Spanish and had served a mission in Chile, I thought he would never leave.
But Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow are two pretty great teams, with a lot of history and money. I loved him at BYU and it would seem the fans in Moscow feel the same way.
What a player!!
But Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow are two pretty great teams, with a lot of history and money. I loved him at BYU and it would seem the fans in Moscow feel the same way.
What a player!!
Walk the Talk | 6:29 a.m. April 23, 2008
This is a great story--just think of the good that could be done in the world if
there were more people with means (and companies with means--Natures Sunshine)
who would step up and actually DO something to relieve suffering in the world.
Cheers to this BYU alum and his wonderful wife.
Comments continue below
Mark | 6:39 a.m. April 23, 2008
Interesting article.
With current tax law, the first 80k of Travis' income is tax free, which probably saves him 20-30k a year. I suppose even for a millionaire, that's not chump change.
As a former expat myself, I believe living overseas can be invigorating. Glad to see they've gone the extra mile and contributed significantly to the country they're living in.
With current tax law, the first 80k of Travis' income is tax free, which probably saves him 20-30k a year. I suppose even for a millionaire, that's not chump change.
As a former expat myself, I believe living overseas can be invigorating. Glad to see they've gone the extra mile and contributed significantly to the country they're living in.
Robb | 6:47 a.m. April 23, 2008
Well done, Hansen. It's great to see a professional athlete make such a
difference. Travis was always one of my favorite players at BYU because of his
intense passion he always brought to each game (which for whatever reason just
doesn't seem to happen too much at BYU). It's good to see that the
people of Russia have responded to that as well. Good luck to him and his family
in all that they do.
Steve M | 7:07 a.m. April 23, 2008
I like this article and I love Travis.
He is successful because he is a winner!!
He is successful because he is a winner!!
Red Rocks | 7:14 a.m. April 23, 2008
Is anyone surprised?
Travis was respected when he played. And he is still a class act in Europe.
I still wish he would have been here on the hill playing with the Johnsen brothers, Britton and Jeff, for those three years. They would have been unbeatable.
He carried the Cougars those years and should have been a Ute.
Travis was respected when he played. And he is still a class act in Europe.
I still wish he would have been here on the hill playing with the Johnsen brothers, Britton and Jeff, for those three years. They would have been unbeatable.
He carried the Cougars those years and should have been a Ute.
Stevie C | 7:35 a.m. April 23, 2008
I know Travis' family and have followed him throughout his career. He has
won everywhere he has gone and won big!
He played at Tau Ceramica in Spain for two years. Tau Ceramica is one of the premiere teams in all of Europe and has been for 20 years.
Dynamo Moscow is one of only two Euroleague teams from Russia. I think Spain has 4 teams playing in the Euroleague. I believe there are a total of 26 teams in the league.
Lets see. One year in the NBA, two in Spain, and he has been in Moscow for two already. And he has just signed for three more? He will have a 8 year professional basketball career!! At least...
He easily has to be one of the 2 or 3 most successful basketball players to come out of Utah.
It is great to see him winning on the basketball court as well as in life.
He played at Tau Ceramica in Spain for two years. Tau Ceramica is one of the premiere teams in all of Europe and has been for 20 years.
Dynamo Moscow is one of only two Euroleague teams from Russia. I think Spain has 4 teams playing in the Euroleague. I believe there are a total of 26 teams in the league.
Lets see. One year in the NBA, two in Spain, and he has been in Moscow for two already. And he has just signed for three more? He will have a 8 year professional basketball career!! At least...
He easily has to be one of the 2 or 3 most successful basketball players to come out of Utah.
It is great to see him winning on the basketball court as well as in life.
Not just a pretty face | 7:36 a.m. April 23, 2008
Its a great story. A former Cougar who has taken serious the charge: "Go
forth to serve."
Love the article | 7:41 a.m. April 23, 2008
I appreciate the follow up and the uplifting article. I rarely read articles
about athletes off-court activity because, honestly, I really don't care to
hear about the majority of off-court exploits. But this was a refreshing
article.
bfolsen | 7:58 a.m. April 23, 2008
Travis is living his life and leading his family the way he was taught within
his family. I was there when he returned to recover and witnessed his intense
desire to return a better player and person. Congratulations to him and his
family for making a difference in the lives of the people in Russia and Utah!
GoodGuyGary | 8:07 a.m. April 23, 2008
Does anyone know his stat over there? Can't believe they didn't
mention it in the article except kept repeating he is a "big
impact"...
Thank You DNews | 8:23 a.m. April 23, 2008
Thanks for giving me an article about a player's wife. It had been a few
days, and I needed a fix.
Un-American | 8:24 a.m. April 23, 2008
I think it is awful that Hansen would consider playing in the Olympics for a
team other than the USA. Obviously he could not make the USA team but that does
not mean he should go play for Russia. I know other people do this but it needs
to stop. Play for the country you were born in, call your permanent home and
where you say you are from not where you are temporary living.
Eean, FL | 8:36 a.m. April 23, 2008
I went to Mountain View while Travis was there; my brother managed the b-ball
team Travis's senior year. He was fantastic at MV, was fantastic at BYU,
and is also showing he's fantastic in Russia. He is a great player and a
great person and I'm proud of athletes like him that do well on the court
and do good in life.
P.S. I love all the Utah posters claiming him as an ex-post Ute like 5 years after the fact... any other Cougars you wish you had?
P.S. I love all the Utah posters claiming him as an ex-post Ute like 5 years after the fact... any other Cougars you wish you had?
Lucky | 8:38 a.m. April 23, 2008
I spent two years in Russia ten years ago. He is lucky he gets to experience a
culture like that of Eastern Europe. So many ways to learn from the people and
grow. ..and he gets to play! He's lucky to be there and they're lucky
to have him. Nice article, but stats would have been nice!
butkus | 8:43 a.m. April 23, 2008
Goodguygary
Euroleague stats show him 7th in the ULEB league in scoring at 20.5 per game and shooting over almost 50% from the field, including 48% from the 3-point line.
He is having another great year despite recovering from an injury.
Euroleague stats show him 7th in the ULEB league in scoring at 20.5 per game and shooting over almost 50% from the field, including 48% from the 3-point line.
He is having another great year despite recovering from an injury.
Basketball camp | 8:54 a.m. April 23, 2008
I just found out how to register for the fundraiser basketball camp. You go to
littleheroesfoundation.org and it gives you instructions.
I live here | 9:21 a.m. April 23, 2008
I live in Russia and it's great to know Travis and LaRee. They are total
class acts and represent their country, religion and their families well. Not
to mention their two little boys are adorable and everyone has fun at their
games. Of course, Travis wouldn't mention that he is the volunteer coach
for his boy's team on Saturday.
to un american | 9:21 a.m. April 23, 2008
get a clue.... he is doing more good for america by being the opposite of the
"ugly american" so much has been made of in the past. and although
his contribution is only thru sports, the good will and the wonderful work of
his wife with those so much in need shows that some times, humanity is more
valuable the "nationalism". america needs all the help it can get in
world opinion now rather then more of the same jingoism that led us to the mess
we have created now.
thank you mr and ms hansen for what you are doing for others.
thank you mr and ms hansen for what you are doing for others.
Go Travis! | 9:24 a.m. April 23, 2008
Great story on a wonderful family...
re: Eaen, FL | 9:35 a.m. April 23, 2008
Nice comments in the PS? I'm glad that eminem's little brother
didn't play for Utah. I hope he does play for Team Russia in the Olympics
so that when he takes the ball to the hoop Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh can send
it into orbit.
Anonymous | 9:41 a.m. April 23, 2008
Congratilations Travis on you're success, you deserve it. Take the
opportunity to play with Russia in the Olympics if you are selected. That chance
may only come around once in a lifetime.
Flagg | 10:07 a.m. April 23, 2008
Couldn't happen to a greater guy and family. Love you Trav and very proud
of what you have accomplished.What a huge smile your mom must have.
Irony Galore | 10:09 a.m. April 23, 2008
He was blue (at BYU). Now he is red in Russia. But look at the team colors in
the picture. Still blue. Silliness aside, great article and human-interest
story. I love to read them, irregardless if they are from anyone of the
universities.
Captain Tuttle | 10:14 a.m. April 23, 2008
Travis, great humanitarian work and kudos for representing America, BYU, and the
Church so well in Russia. However, please politely decline to play on the
Russian Olympic team. Your citizenship is honorary, out of respect for you, but
you are not a Russian. Although it would be exciting to be in an Olympics, you
have to ask yourself which national anthem stirs your patriotism, and which
anthem you want to hear for the Gold medal ceremony at the games. If it is the
Star Spangled Banner, then leave that spot on the Russian team for someone else,
as you won't be playing with your full heart and soul for that country.
Zoobie 55 | 10:34 a.m. April 23, 2008
RE: Ute Fanzz
Good comment. Thanks for the laugh. (Hansen being red)
RE: UnAmerican
So if he's not good enough to play for the U.S. why is playing for Russia an issue? His willingness to play for the Russian team can only help improve relations between our countries. Some Russians see us as selfish spoiled brats. I doubt they feel this way about Hansen.
Good comment. Thanks for the laugh. (Hansen being red)
RE: UnAmerican
So if he's not good enough to play for the U.S. why is playing for Russia an issue? His willingness to play for the Russian team can only help improve relations between our countries. Some Russians see us as selfish spoiled brats. I doubt they feel this way about Hansen.
Lighten up Captain Tuttle | 10:42 a.m. April 23, 2008
It's only a game and not treason!
Having spent a couple of years in the mid-90's working in Moscow, there are a myriad of opportunities for good people like Travis and LaRee Hansen to span the vast cultural and political divide between Russia and the U.S. by letting their light shine wherever they go.
Playing as an honorary Russian citizen in the Beijing Olympics would not only be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Travis, but could potentially generate an amazing amount of goodwill between the two former rivals.
And in today's tumultuous world, we need every ounce of goodwill available.
No matter where Travis plays, we will always be proud of him as an American citizen and a forever Coug!
Steve
Having spent a couple of years in the mid-90's working in Moscow, there are a myriad of opportunities for good people like Travis and LaRee Hansen to span the vast cultural and political divide between Russia and the U.S. by letting their light shine wherever they go.
Playing as an honorary Russian citizen in the Beijing Olympics would not only be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Travis, but could potentially generate an amazing amount of goodwill between the two former rivals.
And in today's tumultuous world, we need every ounce of goodwill available.
No matter where Travis plays, we will always be proud of him as an American citizen and a forever Coug!
Steve
Go for the Gold! | 10:47 a.m. April 23, 2008
Travis,
You have a story worth telling and it appears you live a life that emulates the light of Christ. You should follow your heart and do whay you feel is best regardless of what anyone else says.
I hope you play for Russia in the olympics alongside AK47. Every reporter in the US and the world will want to write about the american playing for Russia. Don't hide your candle under a bush but be a light unto the world. The world would benefit from you and your wife's influence!
You have a story worth telling and it appears you live a life that emulates the light of Christ. You should follow your heart and do whay you feel is best regardless of what anyone else says.
I hope you play for Russia in the olympics alongside AK47. Every reporter in the US and the world will want to write about the american playing for Russia. Don't hide your candle under a bush but be a light unto the world. The world would benefit from you and your wife's influence!
Oh please | 10:47 a.m. April 23, 2008
Travis can play for whomever he wants. The Olympics is just a big sporting
event, not a war, and not that important frankly. The whole patriotism banter is
a little too much. Calm down a bit Captain Tuttle, life it too short, and this
is hardly something to worry yourself over.
Travis Fan | 11:24 a.m. April 23, 2008
Travis is currently my favorite pro BYU b-ball alum (it's sad there are so
few to choose from). If he does choose to play for Russia, I will be rooting
for Russia over the U.S. I've always rooted for the U.S.A. in everything,
but I can't see myself rooting for a choch like Kobe Bryant or Carmelo
Anthony over my man Trav.
goodstuffroger | 11:47 a.m. April 23, 2008
Its very refreshing to read a story with so much good news in it. Keep working
on these kinds of stories please.
Why not play in the Olymipics? | 12:01 p.m. April 23, 2008
Travis isn't going to be offered to try out for the USA team. If he can
play for Russia, why wouldn't he play for them?
To be an Olympian is an opportunity he shouldn't pass up.
To be an Olympian is an opportunity he shouldn't pass up.
Ed | 12:28 p.m. April 23, 2008
Travis and Laree thanks for representing America so well. As a member of your
family, I want you to know we all love you and wish you continued success. I
would love to see you in the olympics what a privilege! You two keep up your
good works. Edwynn
Good for him | 12:35 p.m. April 23, 2008
Russia's Olympic basketball team is actually going to try to win some
games.
Unlike the US team.
Unlike the US team.
B Johnson - Great Article!! | 12:54 p.m. April 23, 2008
I went to school with Travis and am proud to say that I knew him at one time.
He is a great person and I'm so glad to finally hear about what he has been
doing as a basketball player overseas and am inspired by what he and his wife
are accomplishing as ambassadors of the US. Sounds like a great life, and
I'm so glad that he is doing well! Way to go Travis! - Barrett J.
Mark | 1:26 p.m. April 23, 2008
To Captain Tuttle and Unamerican:
Perhaps it is time to reconsider the extreme nationalism that has plagued the 20th century. Today the Olympics is a "World Championship" in a variety of sports. If the man plays for Moscow with honor he can play for Russia with honor. "Real" Americans love an underdog, and Russia is the underdog in this sport. I will cheer for him every step of the way.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider the extreme nationalism that has plagued the 20th century. Today the Olympics is a "World Championship" in a variety of sports. If the man plays for Moscow with honor he can play for Russia with honor. "Real" Americans love an underdog, and Russia is the underdog in this sport. I will cheer for him every step of the way.
soccer fan | 1:51 p.m. April 23, 2008
Travis is also a good soccer player. Its what made him into a great basketball
player.
Russia isn't Red | 3:49 p.m. April 23, 2008
Red is the color of the former Soviet Union, Russia's national colors are
red, white and blue just like ours. Not sure where all this red business is
coming from.
JFUG | 3:52 p.m. April 23, 2008
MVHS, MVHS, the Best!
T_Bone | 2:24 a.m. April 24, 2008
I like his bleaches tips in that hair. I doubt he'd make any team in the
NBA, that's just his opinion and his agent. Blah blah blah. Cewgs...
Captain Tuttle | 8:19 a.m. April 24, 2008
First, why is everyone telling me to calm down? My previous comment was not a
rant, not hyper, and logically reasoned as a question for Travis to ask himself
about his heart. As for Mark's comment about excessive nationalism, I
would counter by questioning the wisdom of the alternative, which is excessive
multiculturalism. Which is a greater influence for good and freedom in the
world, nationalist USA or the multicultural UN? When people sacrifice their
national identity in the name of international multiculturalism, they cease to
exist as a unique and enviable culture. I don't think Travis playing for
Russia in the Olympics will do much of anything to "improve relations"
with Russia, though it may be an interesting side-story. The Russians want him
to play because they want to win as many games as possible, not because they
want to further thaw US/Russian relations. I imagine that if Lance Armstrong
raced for a Russian sponsor cycling team, Putin would have offered him honorary
citizenship to make him eligible to ride for Russia in the Olympics too. I think
Travis should politely decline and keep winning hearts with his good life and
play in pro ball there.
Indiana Tyler | 8:42 a.m. April 24, 2008
GoodGuyGary
His stats found on Euroleague show that through 14 games this season he is averaging 17.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 turnovers. He is shooting 68.7%, 46.3% beyond the arc, and 76.5% at the line.
Way to go Travis, you deserve all the best.
His stats found on Euroleague show that through 14 games this season he is averaging 17.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 turnovers. He is shooting 68.7%, 46.3% beyond the arc, and 76.5% at the line.
Way to go Travis, you deserve all the best.
UN Peaceworker | 10:02 a.m. April 24, 2008
Note to Captain Tuttle:
Put down the thesaurus and go back to work. I don't need a lecture on world peace. Just let the guy play some ball. I don't anyone will be setting off nukes based upon a pick-and-roll, do you?
Put down the thesaurus and go back to work. I don't need a lecture on world peace. Just let the guy play some ball. I don't anyone will be setting off nukes based upon a pick-and-roll, do you?
Anonymous | 10:09 a.m. April 24, 2008
I went to high school with Travis. The really cool thing is he is a trust fund
kid. He would have inherited a couple million without basketball. He just
plays for the love of the game. He did not have to play and he would still be
rich.
doboy | 10:39 a.m. April 24, 2008
Captain Tuttle
Please call Scottie!
Please call Scottie!
Hillary | 1:05 p.m. April 24, 2008
I am so proud of you guys! What a wonderful article...I am glad that you, LaRee,
invited me to donate to The Little Heroes Foundation! Its a wonderful feeling to
help those less fortunate and I am in awe of the wonderful heart you have....I
love you cuz! Can't wait to see you now that you're back in Utah!
Mike | 1:18 p.m. April 24, 2008
Wasn't Captain Tuttle an imiginary Officer that Hawkeye and BJ conjured up
at MASH?
Hard Work Pays Off | 2:42 p.m. April 24, 2008
I remember a similar article about Travis a while ago in the Daily Herald, he
was quoted saying something to the effect that kids these days need to turn off
the Xboxes and work hard at something worth while. What an example he is,
through working hard at basketball and keeping his priorities in line, not only
has he been able to provide a comfortable life for him and his family, but
he's touching the lives of countless people in an incredibly significant
way.
B. Weaver | 10:34 p.m. April 24, 2008
Nice to hear your family is doing so well representing not only yourselves, but
your country and religion. Keep it up!! Bond
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He was a winner at the school down south and it doesn't look like things have changed.
Good luck to Travis and his family.