Not too much has changed in Samara, where one of the best women's basketball teams ever assembled has dominated the Russian game for the past couple of seasons.

Maria Stepanova (2.02m) and Ann Wauters (1.95m) are still the twin towers of Volgaburmash, Igor Grudin is still calling the plays from the sidelines and, oh yes, Samara are still reaching EuroLeague Women Final Fours.

The club won the title two years ago and finished runners-up last season to Gambrinus Sika Brno.

There have been two developments at the club, however.

The name CSKA now precedes Volgaburmash, and Grudin & Co now must share the spotlight in Russia with Spartak Moscow Region - a powerhouse in Europe.

In fact, CSKA and Spartak will square off in a true clash of the titans in one semi-final at the Final Four, which the latter is hosting.

		Demya Walker averages almost eight points per game for CSKA Volgaburmash.

"It's going to be a great game," said CSKA forward Amaya Valdemoro.

"The one who is under more control and plays better will be in the final.

"There are great players with Spartak, and we've got great players."

Indeed.

Even with Spartak boasting one of the finest line-ups in the world with Tina Thompson, Diana Taurasi, Tamika Whitmore and Ticha Penicheiro among the players in their star-studded line-up, CSKA won't be the least bit wary.

Grudin has an incredible roster of players that any coach would love to have.

His team truly has no weaknesses.

The 28-year-old Stepanova, recently voted FIBA Europe's Women's Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, and Belgian superstar Wauters, 26, do a little bit of everything.

They average a combined 28.5 points, 15.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

Among the forwards are fiery Valdemoro, a 1.83m Spanish international who has a tremendous presence on the court, and American Demya Walker.

Valdemoro, 30, poured in 10.5 points, grabbed 3.9 rebounds and came up with an average of 1.5 steals per contest in the EuroLeague.

Walker, 29, quietly averaged almost eight points and just over five rebounds in 17 minutes per EuroLeague contest.

Running the show is French ace Edwige Lawson, a 27-year-old silky smooth, point guard.

Wauters, who is playing in the EuroLeague Final Four for the seventh time, expects a very difficult game against Spartak but is nevertheless optimistic about her team's chances.

"Spartak has great players," she said.

"We have beaten them three times this season, but we all know that they are a different team in the EuroLeague where all their foreigners can play.

"They have the homecourt advantage, but also the pressure that goes with it.

"So I think we have of our chances to beat them.

"But it won't be an easy task."