UMMC Ekaterinburg got a lot taller this week with the acquisition of Polish international center Margo Dydek.

		Margo Dydek

The 2.13m center played for Lotos Gydnia the past several seasons. Last year, she averaged 16.5 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Polish outfit.

The 31-year-old, who is one of the most famous players in Europe, is instantly recognisable in US basketball circles after spending eight seasons in the WNBA.

She played for Utah, and relocated with that team to San Antonio. Dydek most recently played for the Connecticut Sun, who lost in the WNBA Finals to Sacramento in September.

Dydek is always an asset to have on the court and not just because of her incredible height. She is also a great communicator.

Dydek speaks her French, Spanish, English, Russian and her native Polish.

As the basketball gods would have it, UMMC Ekaterinburg, take on Dydek's former club Lotos on Thursday.

Dydek will not play in the game, however. She will probably not suit up for the team until January.