FRA - American Kirksay thrilled with France chance

MARIBOR (EuroBasket 2007) - American-born Tariq Kirksay heads into next month’s EuroBasket claiming he "finally feels like a Frenchman".

The small forward was born in New York but has been absorbed into the Les Bleus squad as a naturalised French citizen.

He may have only appeared five times for France but the 27-year-old, who will play for Russian giants UNICS Kazan next season, finally feels integrated into his adopted team.

"I am happy to be here and wearing the jersey," said the former Nancy star.

"But above everything, it is the feeling of finally feeling like a Frenchman.

"For me, playing the Euros in this jersey, we are representing the whole of France. We must win the gold medal for France.

"I am not saying I have lost my American nationality. I was born in America, I have American blood.

"But I have become French over time. I have been penetrated by the two nationalities.

"My brothers and my parents in America find it difficult to take in - for them, the France team is a little like an All Star team going into a little tournament. I try explaining to them but as they are from the Bronx, they don't understand it all."

France coach Claude Bergeaud could not fail to notice the impact Kirksay has had at Nancy in recent years, but only now has opted to incorporate the player in his plans.

"I know that it was a difficult decision for him," added Kirksay.

"But if you look around me, I am not the only person to originally come from somewhere else. There are players from Africa, The Antilles. I feel normal, like the others."

Kirksay is part of a 12-strong Les Bleus squad that will this weekend take part in a double-header against Slovenia in Maribor as preparations for EuroBasket intensify.

The first game is played on Saturday, with the second 24 hours later.

"This weekend will clarify things," said Kirksay, whose team have won seven of their eight warm-up games so far - including three out of three in the recent tournament in Paris.

"What we did in Paris was good. We are playing better. But we still need to work at things."

FIBA