FRA - Petro ready to take on Julian mantle

NANJING (FIBA World Championship) - Johan Petro admitted feeling awkward displaying his delight at making the 12-man France squad for the FIBA World Championship.

The 20-year-old center was selected ahead of Cyril Julian, which has all but ended the veteran’s international career after 10 years and 135 caps.

"I am happy, of course, but it's difficult to express my joy as I know I earned my place over another player," said Petro in L'Equipe.

"Everyone is a little bit frustrated. I did not want to go back home and I know Cyril didn’t either."

Coach Claude Bergeaud conceded his choice was "painful" to make, then went on to warn Petro and his fellow young team-mates they would have to live up to expectations in Japan.

But Petro is confident he can repay Bergeaud’s faith at the tournament, which runs from August 19 to September 3.

He said: "I now have to show Claude that he made the right choice. During our last tournament in China I showed what I was capable of.

"Every match I played I felt it was the last one so I gave my best. I have to continue making a tremendous effort.

"I have a lot of respect for Cyril, who had been a key element in France's successes in the past 10 years. Now I am taking over and I must impose my style too."

Les Bleus, who have won eight of their 12 warm-up matches, are in Group A along with Argentina, Lebanon, Nigeria, Serbia & Montenegro and Venezuela.

They tip off against 2004 Olympic gold-medal winners Argentina on Sunday, before playing two-time defending world champions Serbia & Montenegro on Sunday.

By PA Sport