Jeff Taylor

Louice Halvarsson hit the heights in Sweden's Damligan this season when the 20-year-old was voted as the league's most valuable player.

Now the Telge Energi center has made it to the big time after signing a four-year contract with Spartak Moscow Region.

The 1.89m Halvarsson travelled to the Moscow Region to meet with Spartak officials last week and clinched the deal.

One coach that knows Halvarsson very well is Sweden boss Lars Johansson.

He was at the EuroLeague Women Final Four last month in Salamanca and watched Spartak win a third straight crown in the competition.

While in Spain, Johansson expressed the hope that Halvarsson would play abroad but didn't think Spartak would be the club that signed her.

"I had no idea at that time," Johansson said on Tuesday to Basketball World News.

"I got the news from her two or three weeks ago. Then she went and visited them last week and things have been moving rapidly. I did know they had their eyes on her."

Halvarsson says there was no doubt about signing for Spartak after her visit.

"It was great to go into the changing room and see Lauren Jackson's place," she said to www.svt.se.

"She has been my idol since I was little. To have the chance to play with her is great."

There may be a steep learning curve with playing time not guaranteed at Spartak.

"I'm not sure that they or she will know 100% what the situation will be, but I think of course she is looking to at least make the team and then how much playing time will be determined," Johansson said.

"The practice situation will be good for her, so she will improve either way. Of course, you don't want too many years in a row without the playing time. You need the tough competition on the court, too."

Johansson doesn't believe Halversson's youth will count against her.

"I don't think age is really a factor there," Johansson said.

"I think they will play the talent they have. When I talked to Louice, we talked about EuroLeague experience all the time. Of course, we didn't know which level she'd end up at. Now she's at the best level."

As for the qualities that make Halversson a player with plenty of promise, she has demonstrated the ability to play both inside and outside on offense.

"For being that young, she has a pretty complete offensive arsenal," Johansson said. "I still think she needs to improve defensively both on the perimeter and inside."