BRA - Splitter: We know we are young, but we have
The 2.10m Tiago Splitter has been a force on the boards for the
Brazilians, and he continues to make strides at Tau Ceramica in Spain,
one of the best teams in Europe.
He spoke to PA Sport's Jeff Taylor after one of Brazil's final practices before Saturday's opener against Australia.
FIBA: Tiago, let's start with you. You injured your shoulder at the Euroleague Final Four in Prague. Update us on that?
Splitter: "My shoulder is 100%. I don't have a problem."
FIBA: How is this Brazil team compared to the one your played on four years ago at the FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis?
Splitter: "It's a younger team, but a team with great talent and we're
going to try and do our best. We know we are young, but we have
experience and everything to do the job."
FIBA: How has this summer been for Brazil?
Splitter: "Our practice time has been good, and we've had good
concentration. The team is doing well everyday. Everyone wants to win.
Confidence is good."
FIBA: What is it like taking part in such a big event?
Splitter: "Everyone wants to play in this tournament. We know it's a difficult group with good teams, so we will do our best."
FIBA: Could you comment on some of your team-mates like Leandro
Barbosa and Anderson, players who seem to have really grown up a lot
the past two years?
Splitter: "We have players who are doing well in the NBA and I hope
they can do the same for the national team. The other players who play
in Europe or Brazil, they also play at a high level so it will be great
to show how our basketball is growing."
FIBA: What are your thoughts on playing against Andrew Bogut of Australia in the first game on Saturday?
Splitter: "It's going to be our first game. We know he's a good player. We're going to try and defend him and play our best."
By Jeff Taylor
Exclusively for FIBA
Last Modified on 23/08/2006 12:30
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