Andrei Kirilenko became a United States citizen on Monday afternoon.

The 10-year veteran kept the ceremony quiet, but was proud when discussing the milestone before Tuesday's practice.

"It's an important decision for me and my family," the Jazz forward said.

"I'm very grateful for the two countries, America and Russia. I really feel I'm a double citizen. I was born in Russia and grew up there and then I came to America and learned a lot. I'm really grateful for everything I have since I've got here, on and off the court."

At first he called the test, which was both written and oral, "tough," but said he and his wife had little trouble passing it.

"I know for some guys it's kind of trouble, but it wasn't a very hard test," he said.