Canada - Dalembert aims at Olympic berth

From nba.com
Download source here

Most NBA players use the summer months to recuperate from nagging injuries, take some time to spend with family and friends, and maybe even go on a vacation for some rest and relaxation. That was the plan for 76ers center Samuel Dalembert, who was slated to go to India for the NBA's Basketball Without Borders, a campaign in which NBA players visit various countries spreading the word about basketball and playing with children across the globe. Dalembert was to take part in the camp's launch in New Delhi, India with former teammate Kyle Korver.

However, those plans changed when Dalembert made the decision to concentrate on playing for the Canadian National Basketball Team as they try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China this August.

"I had planned for the summer to do a lot of stuff, and I am canceling everything because [the Olympics] are only once every four years, so you really don't get a chance to be a part of the Olympics," Dalembert said at the Sixers Open House on June 4.

Dalembert was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti but moved to Montreal, where he won a Quebec High School Championship and played on Quebec's provincial basketball team. In January 2007, Dalembert became a Canadian citizen and then played on Canada's Senior Men's National Basketball Team last summer. He led them to a fifth place finish at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifier, clinching a spot in this summer's FIBA World Olympic Qualifier, to be held later in July.

Dalembert benefited greatly from his time with the Canadian national team, leading them in scoring (10.6 ppg), rebounding (9.4 rpg) and blocked shots (2.4 bpg). He continued his success for the Sixers in the 2007-08 season, giving his best season performance in the NBA yet. Dalembert averaged 10.5 points and a career-high 10.4 rebounds per game, becoming one of nine players among qualifiers to average a point-rebound double-double for the season.

The Sixers big man was a huge reason why Philly was able to make a late-season run into the playoffs. He had no problem matching up against opposing teams' top post players while also helping deter opponents from driving into the paint. His shot-blocking abilities also improved as he finished fourth in the league in swats, averaging 2.34 per game.

After having such a successful year with Canada and the Sixers, Dalembert is hoping he can continue to grow this summer as he aids Canada in their bid for the Olympics.

"One thing about Team Canada compared to the Sixers is that I can do a little bit more," Dalembert said. "When you are required to do a little bit more you push really hard and that helps you discover a lot of other things that you are capable of doing and have confidence mentally that you can do it."

One thing Dalembert is going to work on is his offense. Sammy developed a reliable mid-range jumper this season that helped open up driving lanes for his teammates by drawing opposing centers out to contest his shot. He hopes he can continue to make strides in that area this summer.

"I talked about it with the coach and they see a lot of potential in my offensive game and they really want to focus on that this summer and make me a threat offensively and not just defensively."

Dalembert and Miami's first year center Joel Anthony are the only NBA players on Canada's roster. Being the more experienced player, Dalembert hopes he can bring his knowledge of the game to his teammates.

"It's the fact that you need to be disciplined. You have to come in and show them, a lot of them don't know what the NBA is yet, so you have to show them that it takes work and discipline to get there."

He says the key for the team will be to work together, play hard and to remember that they are playing for the country, not as individuals.

Canada still has to qualify for the Olympics and will get their chance in the FIBA World Olympic Qualifier, held in Athens, Greece on July 15-20. They have to finish in the top three of the 12-team tournament to advance to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Dalembert said it would be a "tremendous honor" to qualify for the Olympics. He also has very high hopes for his team, saying that they would not only qualify but also compete for a medal in Beijing.