“I am honored to play for the country”

Ashley Davis05/10/2025

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Article by David Istrate – published on Sunday, October 5, 2025, 13:17 / Updated Sunday, October 5, 2025 13:21

The Romanian Basketball Federation has announced the naturalization of Daron Russell (27 years old), an American defender that is evolving for U-BT Cluj-Napoca. The 1.80 -meter athlete offered a first interview in which he talked about what it means to play for the male national of Romania.

This summer, Romania had a balance of 3 victories and a defeat in the duels with Hungary and Northern Macedonia and managed to qualify in the preliminaries of the 2027 World Championship, where it will take place with Greece, Portugal and Montenegro.

Daron Russell, reaction after obtaining citizenship: “I am eager to represent the country”

Since January, the Romanian Basketball Federation has started the steps for the naturalization of Daron Russell, an extremely fast defender, with some exceptional offensive qualities.

Thursday October 2, in the government meeting, The 27 -year -old basketball player received Romanian citizenshipthe following steps being the oath to take the Ministry of Justice and the registration of the passport at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

“It means a lot to me to represent Romania. I am almost two months old in Cluj and I got to understand how special this place is. I am honored to have the opportunity to play for the country and I will try to help her get as many victories, “Russell said, in an interview published on the official website of U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

“I think our long-term goals are to reach the 2027 World Championship and the next Eurobasket edition. In the short term I want to help the national team to continue the good form shown in pre-qualifications and to shoulder to qualify in the next phase,” added the player who impressed in the first matches in black and white.

Daron Russell 🌪️@Ubtcluj pic.twitter.com/yffzwoiscb

– BKT EuroCup (@eurocub) October 1, 2025

Russell revealed that, this summer, he watched Romania's matches with Northern Macedonia and liked the style of play, becoming eager to join his new teammates.

“In particular, I think they bring speed to the game. In addition, I have the ability to score and choose the right game schemes. Fans tell them that I am honored to wear Romania's equipment and eager to represent the country. I hope to get as many victories as possible and meet our goals, ”said Russell.

“In the current phase we will go with strong teams, especially Greece. It will be difficult, but I am sure we will be prepared for every match and we will do everything we can to fight every time,” concluded the new player of the national team.

Russell explained that he has already tested various dishes in Romania and that his favorite is a soup. He also said he knows how to greet, thank and say “come on” in Romanian.

The naturalized American of Romania has revealed that he likes the soup and the words he knows in Romanian:

Mihai Silvășan and Daron Russell/Photo: Facebook (U-BT Cluj-Napoca)

Mihai Silvășan, about Daron Russell: “He can make the difference in many matches”

I'm glad to get the passport for Russell. He is a valuable player who can help Romania get victories in the next qualification campaign. Obviously, he is a player who will have to integrate into the national team and will have to make an effort to win.

As an individual quality can make a difference in many matches, due to the speed and how it can play in one relationship at one. I look forward to the November window to come to see it at work

– Mihai Silvășan