USVO Valenciennes players Sandrine Gruda and Kristi Harrower will follow their current coach Laurent Buffard to UMMC Ekaterinburg next season.

Martinique-born Gruda, a product of the INSEP academy in Paris, admits that life in Siberia could be a culture shock.

Gruda, 19, said: "In my head nothing was planned but at the same time why not?

"If I am to make a mistake in my career choice then it is now.

		Kristi Harrower helped USVO make it to the Final Four last year.

"I know it will be difficult out there but it is not that I am going to prison and with the players like (Suzy) Batkovic and (Cheryl) Ford on the roster I would learn a lot even without the presence of Laurent Buffard, but his presence is an advantage."

Gruda, who has signed a two-year deal, was the young player and player of the year in France in 2006 and this year was named FIBA Europe's Young Women's Player of the Year.

She averaged 17.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this past EuroLeague Women season.

The transition for Gruda could also be made easier as she will going with her current teammate Harrower.

The 32-year-old Australian has spent five years in France.

Harrower played a key role in Australia's run to the 2006 FIBA World Championship gold medal.

She also teammed with Gruda and Buffard to lead USVO to the Final Four in 2006.

USVO Valenciennes players Sandrine Gruda and Kristi Harrower will follow their current coach Laurent Buffard to UMMC Ekaterinburg next season.

Martinique-born Gruda, a product of the INSEP academy in Paris, admits that life in Siberia could be a culture shock.

Gruda, 19, said: "In my head nothing was planned but at the same time why not?

"If I am to make a mistake in my career choice then it is now.

		Kristi Harrower helped USVO make it to the Final Four last year.

"I know it will be difficult out there but it is not that I am going to prison and with the players like (Suzy) Batkovic and (Cheryl) Ford on the roster I would learn a lot even without the presence of Laurent Buffard, but his presence is an advantage."

Gruda, who has signed a two-year deal, was the young player and player of the year in France in 2006 and this year was named FIBA Europe's Young Women's Player of the Year.

She averaged 17.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this past EuroLeague Women season.

The transition for Gruda could also be made easier as she will going with her current teammate Harrower.

The 32-year-old Australian has spent five years in France.

Harrower played a key role in Australia's run to the 2006 FIBA World Championship gold medal.

She also teammed with Gruda and Buffard to lead USVO to the Final Four in 2006.