FIBA Basketball
FRA - Pietrus determined to shine
PARIS (FIBA World Championship) - France forward Mickael Pietrus has ruled out a departure from the Golden State Warriors despite their disappointing NBA season and is relishing the forthcoming FIBA World Championship with Les Bleus in Japan
PARIS (FIBA World Championship) - France forward Mickael Pietrus has ruled out a departure from the Golden State Warriors despite their disappointing NBA season and is relishing the forthcoming FIBA World Championship with Les Bleus in Japan.
The 23-year-old French international, who has 17 caps for the national team and won a bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2005, has played in only 12 ties this season, with an average of 10.5 points and 2.8 rebounds.
The Warriors failed to qualify for the play-offs after finishing 12th in the Western Conference table, however, Pietrus insists that injuries were a major factor.
"We have had a lot of injured players," explained the Frenchman.
"We started off the season well but then we struggled to sustain a good collective spirit.
"My own knee injury broke my pace and I had problems recapturing my level.
"Like my team-mates I really hoped I would play in the play-offs. This is a huge disappointment.
"We have not done better than last year. This was not a good season."
Pietrus insisted that he was determined to stay with the Oakland-based outfit, where he is contracted until June 2007.
"Leaving is not my priority," he added. "I would like to stay with Golden State and win, while having more responsibilities within the team.
"I want to show my talent even if I know there are a lot of players ahead of me in the pecking order.
"I just have to keep on working and not give up."
The Paris-born star now has his sights on success at the World Championships, which will be staged in Japan from August 19 to September 3.
"If we manage to brush up our team's abilities thanks to the experience we gained at the Euro, we should do well," he added.
"In Serbia & Montenegro last year we snatched a medal although not being at our best. At the World Championships I am convinced we can go far.
"However, we will have to start the competition better. We will be ready, especially the players from the NBA.
"We will have a competitive team."
PA Sport
The 23-year-old French international, who has 17 caps for the national team and won a bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2005, has played in only 12 ties this season, with an average of 10.5 points and 2.8 rebounds.
The Warriors failed to qualify for the play-offs after finishing 12th in the Western Conference table, however, Pietrus insists that injuries were a major factor.
"We have had a lot of injured players," explained the Frenchman.
"We started off the season well but then we struggled to sustain a good collective spirit.
"My own knee injury broke my pace and I had problems recapturing my level.
"Like my team-mates I really hoped I would play in the play-offs. This is a huge disappointment.
"We have not done better than last year. This was not a good season."
Pietrus insisted that he was determined to stay with the Oakland-based outfit, where he is contracted until June 2007.
"Leaving is not my priority," he added. "I would like to stay with Golden State and win, while having more responsibilities within the team.
"I want to show my talent even if I know there are a lot of players ahead of me in the pecking order.
"I just have to keep on working and not give up."
The Paris-born star now has his sights on success at the World Championships, which will be staged in Japan from August 19 to September 3.
"If we manage to brush up our team's abilities thanks to the experience we gained at the Euro, we should do well," he added.
"In Serbia & Montenegro last year we snatched a medal although not being at our best. At the World Championships I am convinced we can go far.
"However, we will have to start the competition better. We will be ready, especially the players from the NBA.
"We will have a competitive team."
PA Sport