BRA - Tiago Splitter: Me, myself and...Dirk

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) - 

The match-up Dirk Nowitzki vs Tiago Splitter, i.e the battle of the reigning NBA superstar aganist the star on the rise, was considered a key point that could determine the outcome of the game between Brazil and Germany. Eventually, the Brazilian player failed to live up to the task.

Mostly because the Dallas Mavericks forward did not have to carry the team on his shoulders, as many of this teammates came up big -Kaman being one of them.

After the game, Splitter did not hesitate to praise Nowitzki: "He is a great player, but I respect him as an individual as well."

Nowitzki, along with Kaman, are the leaders of the German National Team. And when a team has these great players on its roster, theres not a lot to be afraid of.

When asked about the odds of facing Nowitzki on a NBA court, the 23-year old Brazilian stated that "I've only recently signed a two-year extension with Tau, so theres nothing else on my mind now.

However, this does not mean that I wouldnt like to play there someday".

Does Splitter think that, were it not for the absence of the 3 Brazilian NBAers, they could have secured a ticket to the Olympic Games?

"I want to clarify something. I dont believe that all players, who compete at the NBA level, are as good as Nowitzki and Kaman or that their contribution is equally valuable. So regarding our absentees, under these circumstances, I cannot gauge the situation."

"What I would like to say though, is what all the players have agreed since our preparation gathering. We dont want to talk about those who are not with us".

Besides, Splitter admits that Nowitzki and Kaman were not the only reason why Brazil failed to advance to the semifinals: "Their teammates rose up to the occasion and especially their perimeter players were deadly. On the contrary, we didnt make some open shots and overall we struggled with our shooting".

As far as the next day of the Brazilian National Team is concerned, he is very optimistic: "There are many young players on the team roster. We have to gain some experience, but, when this happens, then the sky could be the limit for us."

LOC Press Office