FRA - Turiaf confirms EuroBasket participation
NEW YORK (EuroBasket 2011) - France centre Ronny Turiaf has come out and expressed his commitment to play at this summer's EuroBasket, quashing rumours that had ruled him out of the event in Lithuania. Turiaf, who made his senior debut for France at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, said someone spread a rumour which was completely unfounded. ...
NEW YORK (EuroBasket 2011) - France centre Ronny Turiaf has come out and expressed his commitment to play at this summer's EuroBasket, quashing rumours that had ruled him out of the event in Lithuania.
Turiaf, who made his senior debut for France at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, said someone spread a rumour which was completely unfounded.
"When I woke up yesterday (Wednesday), my voicemail was completely full. I had no idea what was going on until someone told me about my likely withdrawal from the EuroBasket," the 28-year-old New York Knicks big man told French sports daily L'Equipe.
"I'd like to point out that that is completely false. I will be there (in Lithuania). (Playing for) the French national team is something that's very important to me."
Turiaf is expected to be the Knicks starting centre as they embark on their first playoff run in seven years on Sunday, taking on the Boston Celtics.
The native of Martinique missed last summer's FIBA World Championship in Turkey and last played for France at EuroBasket 2009 in Poland.
FIBA