PAU (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - France's Alain Koffi made a triumphant return to the national team in November, helping it win two games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

Yes, Koffi, a member of France's FIBA EuroBasket 2009 and World Cup 2010 squads, answered the call and competed for Les Bleus in November in victories over Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the squad again for France's Qualifiers next month against Russia and Belgium, Koffi has spoken to FIBA.basketball.

How did it feel being asked to play for the national team after such a long time away?
Playing for the national team wasn't on my mind anymore because I hadn't done so in years and there are a lot of players at my position. I got the call from the head coach (Vincent Collet) and I couldn't believe it. It was something good, though; I'm proud to represent my country and will give my best to help France make it to the World Cup in 2019.

"IT'S STILL A LONG WAY TO QUALIFY (FOR THE WORLD CUP), BUT FRANCE IS NOW A POWERHOUSE IN THE BASKETBALL WORLD. WE HAVE THE TALENT AND POTENTIAL TO BE AMBITIOUS" KoffiKoffi

How do you feel it went in November?
It was interesting and smooth. I knew most of the people from the staff and had already worked with Vincent Collet, so it was pretty easy to get readjusted to the national team routine. I also met a lot of players I played with or against over the years, and I was there with my young teammate, Elie Okobo. I helped him get to know more about the routine and the environment surrounding the national team. He is a good talent and always listens to advice, so my role was also to do that during this first window. I am a veteran, so helping the youngest guys is also important.

A hustling Koffi played well in France's 70-59 come-from-behind win at Belgium

France won twice, so that was a perfect start.
Yes, the most important thing was to win. We were nervous during the first game against Belgium, we felt a bit of pressure at the beginning and had a terrible first half. Collet had a great speech at half-time and we came back with more aggression on both ends of the floor. It was the first time we all played together and we probably felt too much pressure, but we were able to turn things around in the second half. I had a good game, but at the beginning I had to get adjusted to the way we were playing, which was completely normal.

It was different against Bosnia and Herzegovina as France led from start to finish.
We felt better and more comfortable dealing with the pressure. We had time to practice for a couple of days and learned a lot after the first game. We felt free and full of confidence, so it went very well. It's only the first two games, but having a great start is perfect as you don't have any regrets and can only focus on what's coming next.

What can we expect from France for the next two games?
The goal is to play with the same intensity and do our best to win both games. We want to be on top of the group after four games. There is no other option. Russia is going to be tough as they have a great team. It's a basketball country and we have to play at our highest level to beat them. Our defense is key and we have to make it our biggest strength. Belgium will come to play and try to beat us after losing in November. They can play very well, they also know us very well, and we have to be careful. There are no small teams anymore in Europe and in one game, everything is possible, every team can win.

"EVERYONE WANTS TO REPRESENT HIS COUNTRY AND THE QUALIFIERS GIVE THE CHANCE FOR A LOT OF PLAYERS TO DO SO" KoffiKoffi

By winning these two games, France would take a hug step towards World Cup qualification.
That's for sure, but we want to get the job done and win every game. The first goal is to win the next two games and then we will focus on the last two games (of First Round Group E). It would be a mistake to think we have a World Cup spot after the February window. We have to remain focused until the end of the Qualifiers in order to avoid any bad surprises. We're going to do our best to win every game and stay on top until the end of the qualifying campaign.

What is your take on the windows?
I think it's great to have these windows, to have some guys play for the national team and give the opportunity to the youngsters to have a chance to wear the national team jersey and gain an amazing experience. Guys like Amine Noua and Elie Okobo got to gain more confidence and have a great experience at the highest level. All the guys coming to play have, for the most part, have no international experience and it is good for all of them - and for me too - to play for the national team. Everyone wants to represent his country and the Qualifiers give the chance for a lot of players to do so.

If France qualify for the World Cup, what could the team achieve in China?
We have the potential to have a great tournament in China if we qualify. We have a lot of talented players and all the reasons to be ambitious. At the last World Cup, the guys claimed a bronze medal so I don't see why we can't get a medal and have a great campaign in 2019. It's still a long way to qualify, but France is now a powerhouse in the basketball world. We have the talent and potential to be ambitious. We have a lot of leaders that retired, but I believe in the great future of France national team.

And what about you? Could we expect to see you in China?
If we qualify and if coach Collet needs me, it will be a pleasure for me to represent my country and play at the World Cup. There is still a long way to go, but if we qualify and if the national team needs my help, I will be happy to help the guys.

FIBA