Courtney Banghart explains challenges of getting Russian wing Liza Astakhova to UNC

Posted Sep 27, 2025
Recruiting basketball players in Europe presents numerous challenges. Getting 6-foot-1 Russian wing Liza Astakhova to Chapel Hill by the first day of classes on August 18 was daunting, even though she committed to the Tar Heels on June 17. Coach Courtney Banghart discussed the hurdles the Moscow native faced getting from Russia to Chapel Hill. (Tar Heel Tribune)

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