ANG - Lutonda reveals retirement plans
GRANADA (AfroBasket 2007) - Angola playmaker Miguel Lutonda will retire from international basketball after the 2007 AfroBasket. The 35-year-old guard represented Angola at the 2002 and 2006 FIBA World Championships, as well as the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, but has decided to leave the team in the hands of younger men after next month's contest, which Angola are hosting.
GRANADA (AfroBasket 2007) - Angola playmaker Miguel Lutonda will retire from international basketball after the 2007 AfroBasket.
The 35-year-old guard represented Angola at the 2002 and 2006 FIBA World Championships, as well as the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, but has decided to leave the team in the hands of younger men after next month's contest, which Angola are hosting.
He told PA Sport: "This is my last international tournament.
"It is time to do something that basketball did not allow me to do while I was an international player, and leave the younger players to have their opportunities.
"It is nothing to do with my age as I still feel good.
"I have been facing younger players who cannot stop me, but some injures have helped my decision.
"I have to thank basketball for the great moments it has given me - I have discovered the world."
The Primeiro de Agosto man, who has twice been named Most Valuable Player at AfroBasket, wants to go out on a high.
He added: "The best farewell gift I could have would be winning my fifth AfroBasket title.
"It is possible, and we are not even considering losing at home."
Angola started their AfroBasket preparations in Granada, Spain, and will now travel to China, where they will compete in the prestigious Stankovic Cup.
Julio Chitunda
FIBA