Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah and the French national team kick off their march to the London Olympic games tomorrow at Eurobasket 2011 and hope to get a shot at capturing Olympic gold.
Noah will be a part of a loaded french squad with NBA talent such as Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, and Boris Diaw. This is a talented squad but with the loss of Rony Turiaf hurts France especially playing in Eurobasket with the likes of the mighty Spanish team.
As for Noah, this will be his first time playing on an international stage and feels there is a huge difference between the NBA and European style of ball. He feels his role doesn’t change from the Bulls to Team France, and feels he is fitting in with his seasoned French teammates who have played at this level of competition.
From his thoughts on the 1996 Olympics to expectations at Eurobasket 2011, check out this great video interview.
Other Tournament Notes:
• Andres Nocioni has high expectations for Team Argentina at the FIBA Americas tournament:
“Not qualifying would be a big disappointment for us.”
• Germany’s head coach Dirk Bauermann has nothing but praise for Dirk Nowitzki:
“Dirk gives everything he has, he always gives everything he’s got. I want to say it again, you have to remain realistic with the expectations and demands that you have,” said Bauermann.
“With all the accolades and the money, the fame and the popularity, he is so down-to-earth – just the most wonderful guy to be around. He just wants to play basketball and other than that just be left alone,” said Bauermann.
• Utah Jazz 2011 NBA draftee and member of the Turkish national team Enes Kanter on returning to the court and his role for Turkey:
“I didn’t play any game in two years. I am not in game shape. I am trying to get in game shape,” said Kanter.
“I just want to help my teammates however I can. I know that this team last year did a great job. And we just want to go to the Olympic Games,” said Kanter.
