BRA – Nene wants to play for Brazil next year in Turkey

RIO DE JANEIRO (2010 FIBA World Championship) – A super talented Brazil won gold at the FIBA Americas Championship this summer and they could be even better next year when taking aim at the world title.
 
Denver Nuggets center Nene has firmly declared his intention to play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
 
"I always have the wish and the pride to wear the Brazil national team jersey," the 2.11m Nene said.
 
"I played at the Pre-Olympic tournament in Las Vegas in 2007 but I wasn't able to take part in the 2008 (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament), 2009 summer tournaments for health problems.
 
"I was a big supporter of the national team at the FIBA Americas in Puerto Rico and if I am in good condition, I want to help Brazil at the 2010 FIBA World Championship."
 
Nene is a cancer survivor.
 
He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the 2007-08 NBA campaign and missed 37 games but made an inspirational comeback before the end of the season.
 
Brazil had a star-studded team this year in Puerto Rico that included Anderson Varejao, Leandro Barbosa, Tiago Splitter, Marcelinho Machado, Alex Garcia and Marcelo Huertas.
 
The 26-year-old, meanwhile, has spoken of his happiness that Rio de Janeiro is to stage the 2016 Olympics.
 
"I am delighted and satisfied that Rio will host the 2016 Olympic Games," he said.
 
"Like any athlete, my dream since I was a child was to take part in the Olympics and the emotion will be all the more significant if it was in my own country.
 
"If it's God's will, I will be in the 2016 Games, either playing or supporting Brazil and my teammates.
 
"Without a doubt, it would be one of the best victories of my career."
 
FIBA