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CAN – Dalembert: ‘As time goes by and games are played, things will get better’
ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) - Samuel Dalembert admits he struggled in his first big international tournament with Canada last summer because of some of the differences in the international game to the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers big man did enough at the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas, though, to help the Canadians reach Athens where this week they will attempt to earn a place at the Beijing Games.
Dalembert spoke to us shortly before the start of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Did you encounter any problems during your preparations, Sam?
Dalembert: Everything went fine. We’ve been together for about a month and a half and we are still trying to know each other. That is, to get familiar with our teammates’ games. So far, we have achieved that to a large extent and this is something that has impressed me a lot.
This is only your second summer with the national team. Do you feel that you have fit in well with the rest of the group?
Dalembert: I don’t really feel entirely comfortable on the floor with my teammates. I’m still learning their game, however, as time and games go by, things will get better. We are now cooperating better, we know what our responsibilities are, we follow the orders of our coach and I’m confident that we’ll be ready when official games tip off.
Did you find it hard to adjust to the international regulations, which differ from the NBA?
Dalembert: Last summer I faced a lot of trouble with the regulations. I was having a hard time, but I got used to them and now I’m feeling quite comfortable. All in all, I could say that they don’t worry me anymore.
What’s your opinion about your first opponents, Slovenia?
Dalembert: I don’t have a clue about Slovenia. What I really know is that there are a great deal of compe ive teams in this tournament and we should not underestimate any of them. All participants aim for a place at the Olympic Games and this is why we came here as well. We should strive for the best possible result and we’ll see what happens.
Do you believe that you can make it to the Beijing Games?
Dalembert: It would be great to qualify to the Olympic Games. It would be a huge honor. I’ve never taken part in an Olympic tournament before. So far, I’ve only watched the games on TV. I think that we have a good opportunity ahead of us and we’ve got what it takes to seize it.
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