By Martha Bilbao Cognac
Flashback March 2008: I am cleaning the house, running around from the kitchen to the living room. My two sons, then 11 and 7, are glued to the TV watching the Lakers game. I hear them shout, Kobe, Fish, Sasha.
Wait, Sasha? Who’s that? I grew up in the Magic, Kareem, Worthy days, endured the dark Van Exel, Divac period, and basked in the glory of the Kobe, Shaq, Fox era. Then I lost touch; working graveyard for two years will do that to you!
I curiously walked into the screen and I was pleasantly surprised. Before me I saw a ball of energy with dark flowing locks. I saw him protest all the referees’ calls and celebrate his shot. I asked my boys, “Who’s that?” They answered, “Sasha Vujacic, I think he’s Russian or something.”
Fast forward to December 2008: My eight-year-old has a new favorite show, “NHL on the Fly.” My husband takes him to one Kings game and the boy becomes hooked! On top of all the noises of goal horns, I keep hearing the name Alexander Ovechkin over and over again.
Apparently, Ovechkin, who plays for the Washington Capitals, is criticized for showing too much enthusiasm whenever he scores a goal. Really? I have never had a problem with anyone showing passion. I didn’t know that was an issue. So, I sit down and watch a Capitals game and, sure enough, Ovechkin scores a goal and immediately slams up the glass in euphoria, shaking his hockey stick in the air in celebration. I don’t see a problem; instantly I’m curious!
My son tells me he is Russian; this time, he’s right! Internet research shows that his friends and family call him Sasha (apparently Sasha is a nickname for Alexander in Eastern Europe).
Two Sashas, both from Eastern Europe, both young, both passionate, both not afraid to show their emotions, and the similarities don’t end there. Growing up in Maribor, Slovenia, Sasha lived, breathed and ate basketball. He gave up normal youth activities to fully immerse himself in basketball. Growing up in Moscow, Russia, Alexander lived and breathed hockey, even playing a game the same day after his older brother died from complications from a car accident.
Both athletes are very close to their families. Sasha moved his parents to Los Angeles to be close to them. Alexander’s parents visit from Russia frequently and helped negotiate his 13-year multi-million dollar contract with the Washington Capitals. Alexander’s brother also lives with him while he studies English at a nearby college.
Both players show a great deal of passion for their sport. Sasha can be seen on the sidelines cheering on his teammates, praying or making the sign of the cross when he gets fouled. You can see the pain on his face when he misses an important play. Alexander celebrates every goal like he just won the Stanley cup. He’s not afraid to jump against the glass, hug his teammates and pump his stick up in the air in celebration.
Both competitors have good hearts. Sasha loves participating in local school events, such as the essay contest with Halldale Elementary and Fit for life in Lawndale. Sasha also stays true to his Slovenian/Serbian roots by meeting with kids from a local Serbian Orthodox church.
Alexander donated a signed “NHL All–Star” jersey to a fan suffering from Multiple Sclerosis that only wrote him to tell him he was an inspiration and requested a picture. Upon arriving to Washington, D.C., for the first time to start his career with the Capitals, he heard of the plight of several people in a local shelter who had lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina. He gathered up some teammates and immediately went to the shelter to assist and donate items. He also has a section at Capital games called Crazy 8’s (hey, another similarity: 8 and 18!), a section where eight kids from low income areas who excel in school can come and experience a hockey game and meet him. Finally, he runs hockey clinics for kids in his native Moscow.
Ok, so what makes them different? Sasha has model good looks, a dynamite smile, long flowing hair and soulful brown eyes. Alexander has a rugged look, crooked nose, an impish grin revealing several missing teeth, icy blue eyes with a glare that can stop someone dead in their tracks and messy brown curly hair. Sasha prefers the quiet beach lifestyle, hates techno music in favor of classic rock like the Beatles and keeps his personal life to himself. Alexander is into fast cars, partying, dating a string of Russian beauties and has been known to blast loud Russian techno music from his car. Sasha is still struggling to find his role on the Lakers, while Alexander is the hottest hockey star since Wayne Gretzky.
So there you have it, two Sashas. Both from humble European backgrounds, both athletes play their respective games with unbridled passion and enthusiasm. One remains true to his humble roots and has embraced his adopted home’s beach lifestyle. The other is a rebel with a heart of gold. Both have won my heart!
Alexander Ovechkin image: Keith Allison
Rated 3.83 by 18 people
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Awesome, Martha! Just awesome!
June 1st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Ok… I’m sort of getting fed up with this website. I’ve been thinking about removing it from my faves…
This website is about SASHA VUJACIC! You know, the guy who plays fpr the Lakers who are in the 2009 Finals! This website should talk about The Lakers if not Just Sasha… and basketball… not who he looks like.
This is just pissing me off.
How about an interview with Sasha about the team making it into the finals instead of the teeny-bopper stuff? Seriously.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Very cool article Martha!! Well written and kept my interest!! Hope to see more articles from you in the future on the website. The two Sasha’s Oh yes, very different yet very similar. Both are nice looking but in different ways, both nicknamed Sasha, both from Eastern Europe, I really don’t know the Russian hockey Sasha but I have seen pictures, umm very nice, I might have to start getting into hockey next season!!! Sasha Vujacic was who got me into basketball!!! All I can say is Thank you God for giving us all these HOT European athletes!!!
Again Martha very interesting, entertaining reading!!!!
June 1st, 2009 at 3:28 pm
The main difference I see between the two is that Ovechkin tends to be a bit of a dirty player… but I really do like this article… I’m a big hockey fan as well as a basketball fan… and after reading this I really can see the similarites between these two athletes… both amazing in their own right…
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 am
Thanks, Tatiana…Everyone is has their own opinions, that’s what Freedom of Speech is all about.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
wow, what a mean spirited comment! firstly, this article is not about looking similar, it’s about having similar names - you must be thinking of justin’s article. secondly, the site has always been filled with little stories of this kind, that explore the many angles of fandom for sasha. unfortunately not all of the writers have access to sasha for personal interviews, and in any case, there’s really only so many questions he can answer! the site provides not only the meat and potatoes game results, news, and weekly link roundups but also human interest stories. if you don’t like those, then just skip them. simple!
personally, i think it’s sweet that sasha allows his fans to speak their minds on his site with these stories. i also know the work it takes to sit down and write a story like this. kudos to the writers for making the effort!
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:24 am
Personally, I think this article is well written and is one of the more interesting articles that I have seen here. We would all enjoy reading interviews with Sasha, but he is probably very busy right now preparing for the finals. Great job, Martha!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Martha it was a very heart felt sweet article. It IS about Sasha, Tatiana!! All the topics on this website don’t have to be so sports related. Nice stories like this are very welcome and fun to read!! And I am sure Sasha enjoyed it very much too !!! Martha likes the two Sasha’s very much and this came straight from her heart. I think it is really nice!!!
Also Tatiana could you have written anything better?? Before insulting somebody’s writing you should stop and think about that!! Like mom would say if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I think the person that said this article was about a Sasha-look-alike, misinterpreted the article. I read it thoroughly and thought it was about two guys with the same nick-name, Sasha, of which Alexander is the official name, and how they are similar in their natures of celebrating their skill and sport amongst other things. And how they are both from Eastern Europe, passionate and competitive and family-oriented. What is really funny is that at the end of the article, Martha goes on to describe the very DIFFERENT physical features of each of these men as well as their different tastes in music, etc. I think someone needs to re-read this article.
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I actually thought this was pretty interesting.
That being said, this website may be steering off track a bit, yes?
As much as I like reading opinion pieces people write about who they think Sasha reminds them of, etc., I really want to read more about Sasha’s game… How he’s trying to improve it, his opinion on teammates, teammates opinions on him… etc… If ya’ll have contact with Sasha, why not ask him about stuff like that?
Also something to think about; I like reading about his favorite stuff, etc., but I think that might be a little excessive too. Maybe all that stuff (headbands, etc.) is distracting him. I swear I see him fix his headbands five times a game and I wanna slap his hand.
Maybe if his website was a bit more basketball oriented and analyzing his game and a little less random then he could find out the real problems he’s having?
I think you guys are doing a good job, but maybe turn the focus a little bit onto this season, and his teammates, and his BASKETBALL efforts.
Ask him questions, things like that, put it up.
Keep up the good work
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I have to say Martha you are right about Freedom of Speech! Keep writing and keep doing what you’re doing. Your article was well written and yes everyone is entitled to their opinion but what a mean thing to say about your article. Please do not let that comment discourage you in anyway. All the contributors are doing an amazing job keeping this website going strong. KEEP THE ARTICLES COMING MARTHA
Monica
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Ok, when I first saw the title and pic of this story, I must admit that I thought to myself “Oh no, here we go another comparison” But I do have to say that the article was nice. I like that you talk about when you first heard about Sasha with your kids. And yes, Sasha has the looks. I would have to say that I don’t particulary like your comment about Sasha struggling to find his role though- I think his role is clear and he has begun to expand that role. That’s part of growing - Just my opinion : )
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 am
Wow lots of discussion on this one! Must mean it was well done as it is provoking folks to thought.
I like the conversational tone of the article, the intent to write an article closer to the website’s core (Sasha himself) than many recent posts (dog, living with a Sasha girl).
I agree with many of the comments above and the theme that the website has gotten off track somewhat. I am sure it is hard to deliver a lot of articles with little access to the info source, the man himself. Someone mentioned writing more about his teammates, playing time etc. A lot of that info is readily available so that is a good place to start. In my mind, the site is having growing pains, a totally natural phase in an organization’s development. I wish the website team good luck as they sort through this.
Back to Martha - great initiative and creativity! Keep it up.
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 am
Ebert and Roeper give it two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I agree with Tatiana and Caroleena. First, what’s the point of the constant useless information? I mean, it seems that 90% of the “articles” on here are all based on silly, random “facts” that are hardly what I consider interesting.Random stories about Colleges,Dogs,Roommates etc. And, somehow this is all related to Sasha?
The headband thing was maybe “cute”, at best ( and I’m being nice, here.)But, is this really the proper way to treat an NBA player or any other serious athlete? There are so many things to ask Sasha, and to write about. The fact that he is ready to begin the championship is something, right?? or maybe not. Some fans might actually be interested in knowing where his head is at (mentally speaking) right now, rather than what is ON his head at this moment. I’m really surprised at the lack of depth of this website. I hate to say it but it makes Sasha look dumb. Sure, this is an interactive website, but seriously, this seems more Jonas brothers than NBA. I would love to know what someone like Kobe would think of this website. LMAO.
just my 2 cents.
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I never said it was a badly written article. I never once said that. I just feel how Caroleen does. I’m just frustrated that as part of a sports player’s website, the sports part is lacking. I’m sorry but it is. Was there another place for me to vent my frustrations… maybe… but it came out.
Anyway, I’m still on the verge with the site… so we’ll see what happens.
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Oh, and Ginger… where in the artice did I comment about the writing of this article. It was a frustration towards the website as a whole. Chill out.
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I actually enjoyed this article because I too thought it would be another comparison, such as the luis scola one, but I actually liked this. Sasha and aleksander Ovechkin both have so much in common. And I think that was a pretty harsh comment, but this website is for fan of Sasha that want to read about the different people in the sports world that have the same characteristics as him.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:37 am
Guys, relax. It is a well written article about a seemingly great guy (seemingly since I do not know him personally). Everyone is MORE than what one does for a living, wouldn’t you agree? If I have a website about me, would it have to concentrate solely on my profession? I think not.
Anyway, cheers to all from Slovenia. And make sure you shout for team Slovenia in European Basketball Championships 2009 this year! Sasha will be playing, of course - alongside the no. 1 PG of the Sacramento Kings - Beno Udrih.
June 11th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thank you, холодное сердце, thank you.
June 12th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Tatiana- I am just happy I’m not the only one who is fed up with it! We ARE fans, too!! We have the right to say how we feel. As far as I am concerned,this silly behavior could have cursed him this year ( think about it..all the NONSENSE i.e “headband watch” etc. started THIS year/season.I guess I just do not understand the concept of this site…Is it about Sasha? or about the contributors ?
I like Sasha just as much as anyone else, But I just CANNOT sit here , watch him struggle and continue on focusing on USELESS crap….have a little respect for the man, and the athlete too, please.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
DUDE! Tatiana is right, it’s just weird…we have these articles about “SASHA GETS A NEW HEADBAND!” I used to love that stuff, but…URGH. Who cares who looks like Sasha, alot of people do! We want to know new FACTS about Sasha and what’s going to happen while it’s the Off season! I want to know when his new shoes come out. And I would also like to see if there are any articles about contacting Sasha, like fan a Sasha fan email, or a fan address where fans can send their letters to him. Not just articles that say,”Sasha’s favorite movie!” I mean to offense, these are just some ideas that would be super cool.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
AND! It’s really weird because some of the articles say “Congratulations Sasha!” when it wasn’t JUST Sasha who won the championship, it was the other Lakers to. Sasha didn’t erally do anything. He was put in once or twice, that’s it. It’s because his shots have been off, and Phil Jackson doesn’t want taht to happen. So I take no offense to Sasha or anything…but ya need to practice more buddy. I shouldn’t be the one to talk, because…I stink at shooting, but I play pretty darn good defense like Sasha does.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I tottally agree with Tatiana and errr…the other person, I’m sorry i jsut can’t do that…those boxy thingys.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:36 am
That was all me right there.
June 26th, 2009 at 7:33 am
As the writer of this story, I have held back long enough. I just want to say that I first I was hurt at the negative comments, but then everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But I will say this it is easier to comment, than to write a story about something you feel strongly about and actually get it put out there. If you really look into it, you will see it wasnt written to compare the two players looks, but way more than that.
One thing I am happy about is that it got people talking about what can be done to make this site better. I will say no more.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
OMG! People actually see MY side? I mean more than one person and no one is apologizing for thinking this way? Who would have thought?
June 29th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Lol Tatiana. You seem like a REALLY interesting person, you should be a article writer here or something. LOL. Ahaha, funny.
June 30th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Mcognac, hi, I wasn’t necessarily targeting YOU as a person, or even as a contributor to the website. My point is in the fact that the website, as a whole, and the overall direction is questionable. Yes, I understand that maybe to a 13 yr old girl all the topics on here are OK. I have always assumed that this website was marketed towards ‘tween’ and teen-age girls. However, have you noticed the backlash against sasha in other online communities, and heck, can you believe that he was even booed at the parade? god forbid!We ALL no that he didn’t have the best season, and that’s perfectly OK. BUT, when you market anyone, esp. an athlete in this teen-dream pin up style, you are going to see a tremendous backlash from the predominately male sports fan, which I think we are seeing. I hope you see my point. I mean, talking about his headband more than his game, or the sport in general whilst showing teen pinup style photos of him ( kind of like mark wahlberg in the 90’s) is just BEGGING for negative attention/ reaction from more sports oriented fans. I’m a woman in her mid 20’s and even I think its stupid and immature. but that’s just my opinion. I have noticed that the website is taking a bit of a new direction….All im saying is that maybe everyone on this site should think about how they are making sasha ‘look’ because he doesnt deserve to reap the negative backlash and be made fun of because of the style of marketing.
June 30th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
No worries, Cyrilic Alphaphet (am I right?). I can see your point :).
June 30th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Mcognac, first of all, the writing of the article had NOTHING to do with it. The article was not badly written, you are NOT a bad writer. I second the feelings of холодное сердце, Caroleena, #27, ETC. The comments were not directed at you. They were directed at the website.
Secondly, it was unfortunate that the comments were under your article. But, c’mon… the defensive manner in which the comments were taken was a bit out of hand.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Oh, Laker Lover… I agree! lol.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Thanks for clearing that up Tatiana :).
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
OKAY! I’m just going to stick with this name. Vengeance. Other than my other previous names: NUMBA27, #27, Laker Lover. So I go by Vengeance now. Okay. Lol. I had SOOO many names.
July 4th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I agree w/Tatiana……………….
July 5th, 2009 at 10:15 am
You’re Welcome, Mcognac.
October 31st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
hey! this is so cool. like me, i make aleksander “sasha” vujacic as my inspiration in my studies! when i’m down i’ll always look at his picture in this website and then, i felt fine!