FRA - In the Flo

PARIS (Olympics) - Florent Pietrus is like a kid in the candy shop these days.

He wakes up in the morning with a smile and wears it all day.

There is a look of expectation in the 31-year-old forward's eyes, too.

Something big is about to happen.

"The Olympics is getting closer," Pietrus says.

"I think about it every day."

Pietrus has had to wait a long time.

He very nearly made it to the 2004 Olympics, but France lost to Italy at the death in the Bronze Medal Game at EuroBasket 2003.

Four years later in Spain, France looked to be on their way to a podium finish and a spot in the Beijing Games, but eventual champions Russia beat them in the Quarter-Finals and the French then careered out of control, falling to Croatia and then Slovenia to miss out on the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Pietrus is an eternal optimist and never gave up hope.

Realistically, however, London was his last chance to make it to the Summer Games because by the time Rio De Janeiro comes along in 2016, he'll be 35.

"I think it's going to be a good experience for me, for us, because we haven't been there for so long," Pietrus says.

"Every day I think about it.

"I cannot imagine what it's going to be like. I just have to focus on the end of the season (with Valencia Basket) and then we can look ahead."

Pietrus is willing to admit there are aspects to the Olympics he's looking forward to.

"Everything," he says, "especially the Opening Ceremony.

"Everyone is talking about that and the Olympic Village because every athlete is going to be there, so it's going to be a great moment for all of us."

Is he going to put on a suit and wear a hat at the Opening Ceremony?

"Of course, this is the tradition," he says.

"Everyone wants to wear this. Everything about the Olympics, all of it together.

"We're so excited.

"I've spoken to the guys and we're just so excited about getting together. We're just waiting for July before we can get ready."

Pietrus is also relieved that a key man in the squad, Ronny Turiaf, was able to recently sign with Miami.

He had played just four games with Washington before breaking his hand and was sent to Denver before the trade deadline, only to be released.

Turiaf is in that core group of players that coach Vincent Collet wants to have in London.

"He needs some minutes and to play," Pietrus says to FIBA.com.

"This year is the biggest year ever for the national team and he deserves it. He's been with us for like 10 years and it’s great for him to find a team like Miami because he'll have a chance to play for the title."

FIBA