Pro basketball: Ex-FGCU star Whitney Knight headed to Spartak Moscow Region Vidnoje

Former FGCU women’s basketball star Whitney Knight has signed with Spartak Moscow Region Vidnoje, which is based in Vidnoje, Russia, in Moscow and plays in the Russian Premier Leagueand FIBA’s EuroCup.

WNBA stars to play for Spartak – the winner of multiple Russian and EuroLeague titles from 2006-10 – include Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird, Seimone Augustus, Diana Taurasi and Tamika Catchings.

The 6-foot-3 Knight is coming off her rookie season in the WNBA, when she played sparingly for the Los Angeles Sparks and San Antonio Stars. She arrived in Moscow less than a week ago.

WNBA: Ex-FGCU star Whitney Knight cut by Los Angeles Sparks

“I am super excited about the opportunity to play for Spartak Moscow Region Vidnoje,” Knight said in a press release on the team’s website, where she was also pictured in the team’s red-and-white-striped uniform and holding one of its scarves aloft. “Spartak is in a great league and has always been a top-tier team. I’m eager to bring my skill set in an effort to continue in the club’s winning traditions.”

Knight, an Associated Press honorable mention All-American at FGCU last season and a two-time Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, averaged 3.8 minutes in 10 games for the Sparks and Stars.

She played in seven games for Los Angeles before being released in late August just after the monthlong league break for the Olympics. The 23-year-old from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, played in three games for San Antonio to close the season.

Spartak, coached by Russia’s Alexandr Vasin since 2013, opens its season on Saturday.

“It’s a good opportunity for her to show what she can do in a good European league,” said Knight’s agent, Allison Galer. “Russia is one of the top leagues, and in EuroCup she’s playing against clubs in different countries.”