Larry Brown loves France

The famous coach of the Charlotte Bobcats announced that he'd be interested in being a member of the French basket-ball team. Don't worry, not to play, he is too old for that...

BF: Did you have any contact with the The French federation?

LB: Yes. I met the French coach during the Olympic Games in Sydney and Crawford Palmer. They came to see Alexis Ajinça and Boris Diaw ( his french players at Charlotte), so we discussed.

BF: Would you be interested in being the coach of the French Team?

LB: I don't know... I'd like to help, in many ways, but I don't think it's a job for me. I like people who are in this federation. In the NBA, there are so much talented players who come from your country. And lots of talents in the rest of Europe, you know I have to learn. But if I can help, I'd be glad.

BF: What kind of job could you accept?

LB: Actually, we've just discussed about Alexis and Boris. Once again, if they need my help, I'd do it with pleasure. They should discuss between each other in the federation. I have a good relationship with my French players, that's why I'd like to help!

BF: As a coach?

LB: I don't think so. I don't have enough time, and there are lots of great coaches there, who know the international game better than I do, even if I had a little experience. I'd like to learn with them and be present. I want to see the French players on a court to know what it is about. If the federation chooses a coach, he 'll have to be okay with my way of thinking and everything.

BF: Are you in contact with another national team?

LB: No. For the moment, I am focused with the French team because In Charlotte I have two French players.

BF: Boris Diaw told us that you love cheese and wine...

LB: I went on holidays in France with my wife. We went to Dordogne, Provence. My daughter had an ice skating competition in Nice last year. I spent one week in Paris too. And yes, I love cheese and wine but I do prefer basketball...

Benoît Angély, Florent Jimenez