FRA – Injured Noah has to grin and bear it

CHICAGO (NBA/EuroBasket 2011) - Joakim Noah has endured one of the most frustrating periods of his young, professional career.

The Chicago Bulls big man is having to sit on the sidelines with a cast on a surgically repaired right thumb, which he hurt in mid-December.

At the time of his injury, the Bulls were riding a seven-game winning streak.

In the 25-year-old’s absence, they have reeled off seven wins in 10 games.

“I feel extremely frustrated!” he said in an interview with L’Equipe.

“Watching my teammates every night and not being with them on the ground, it annoys me!

“I'm like a lunatic on the bench. Nevertheless, I try to bring my contribution to the building in motivating the troops. But I still have over a month to wait and it’s too long!”

Noah, who is in fourth NBA season – all with Chicago - is hoping to be in the France line-up at EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania when the team tries to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

So far, the son of former French Open champion Yannick Noah has yet to feature in a major tournament for Les Bleus.

“Everyone knows that the France team is a dream,” he said.

“I want to experience the joy of wearing the blue jersey and play in major international competitions.

“But my concern right now is to treat me and come back quickly."

FIBA