FRA - Evtimov: "I hope to make the team for EuroBasket"

CHALON (LNB/EuroBasket 2011) - It's been a memorable week for Chalon's Ilian Evtimov.

After helping his team win the Coupe de France last Sunday, he played a key role in their 98-74 drubbing of ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne on Wednesday. Then on Friday he was named among the 24 players making up France's preliminary squad for this summer's EuroBasket in Lithuania.

All in a week's work.

And the 28-year-old can cap his week on another high on Saturday night when Chalon get a chance to close out their first round series against ASVEL.

Evtimov talked to FIBA.com to share his thoughts on the play-offs and the national team.

FIBA.com: What was your reaction when you learned you were on the preliminary squad?
Evtimov: It's an honour for me to represent this country. I was very happy when I read that and I hope that I can make the team.

FIBA.com: There are a lot of inside players on the team. Do you concern yourself with that?
Evtimov: No, not at all. Honestly I don't think about that right now. We'll see what happens and if I have the opportunity to play for them, I will do my best to represent this country. But it's not me who take the decision.

FIBA.com: Steed Tchicamboud, your teammate in Chalon has also been selected by Vincent Collet. What are your thoughts on his inclusion?
Evtimov: He's a leader and one of the reason that we have had success this season. I think he deserves to be there too. I know most of the guys who are on this list because I played with them when I was younger.

FIBA.com: Do you think that Vincent Collet the right coach for the national team?
Evtimov: Yes. He was unlucky with Villeurbanne this season because he had a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he knows basketball and in my opinion he uses a great system.

FIBA.com: Let's talk about the play-offs, were you surprised by your domination of Villeurbanne on Wednesday?
Evtimov: I didn't think too much about the games we played against Villeurbanne this year. When we control the flow of the game, the result is always the same: we win. We can run, put intensity in the game so it's easier for us.

FIBA.com: What do you see as the keys to this series? Slowing down Davon Jefferson and Pops Mensah-Bonsu?
Evtimov: In my opinon, we just have to control the flow of the game. We don't care who score against us if it's Pops or Davon Jefferson. We have to be effective on the defensive side and then, we will have some open shoots.

FIBA.com: Who's the most dangerous contender for the title?
Evtimov: I don't want to talk about the title right now because it's just the first round. Fist, we have to be focus on Villeurbanne. We have to beat everybody in order to become champion.

FIBA.com: Do you think that your team-mate Joffrey Lauvergne could soon play in the NBA?
Evtimov: I think so. He has all the qualities to play in the NBA. He has progressed during this season, he listens to us and he's a hard worker. Besides, he has the tools: he's very long and athletic, he can jump. He also has great footwork because he played as a guard when he was young.

FIBA