By Aris Barkas/ info@eurohoops.net
It certainly feels a bit weird for a EuroLeague player to watch his national team from the sidelines due to the conflicting schedule of the competition with the midseason FIBA Windows.
Take Andrew Albicy, for example. The Zenit St. Petersburg guard isn’t exactly pleased with the fact that he won’t be able to help the French national team in the EuroBasket Qualifiers. On the other hand, there’s a great amount of satisfaction from playing in EuroLeague for the first time in his career this season.
“It’s different. But for me… it’s like an improvement. So, I’m a little bit disappointed to not do it. But I’m happy because I’m where I want [in EuroLeague],” Albicy told Eurohoops. “If I’m in Tokyo… I don’t care bout the rest.”
“I hope to be,” Albicy added when it comes to his participation in the Olympic Games. “It’s a question of what I can give to the team. I will be at my 100% in practice and in the game to compete in Tokyo for sure.”
Albicy helped France win the bronze medal in the FIBA World Cup before embarking on his debut EuroLeague season. “Les Bleus” triumphed over Team USA in the quarterfinals to reach the top four in the tournament.
“After the World Cup, my body was so tired. Now, I’m ready to compete against everybody. I feel better,” Albicy said.