Thomas Heurtel hopes to play for France: 'If they call, I'll be ready' / News - Basketnews.com

Thomas Huertel thinks that the punishment he received for signing with a club in Russia was unfair and says that he'll be ready if the federation changes its mind.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Ever since Thomas Heurtel chose to play in Russia, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) has banned the player from representing the national team.

Thomas Heurtel

Position:PG, SGAge:33Height:188 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:FranceProfileNewsStatistics

"The players and staff of the French teams will no longer be selectable if they sign a contract with a Russian or Belarusian club, as long as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing," the federation's statement read last year.

Even though FFBB president Jean-Pierre Siutat removed Heurtel and two other players from the list of possible candidates, the guard is hoping to return to the national team.

"I really don't understand the purpose of this decision. We play professional sports, we are human beings. Like everyone else, we hate wars," Heurtel told Theo Quintard from Ouest France.

"It's always an honor to wear this jersey," the guard said. "I don't think it makes sense to be punished for just working in a Russian club."

Months after going to play in Russia, Heurtel publicly lashed out at his critics, saying that he doesn't care about any of the messages he received at that time. The guard is now changing his course.

"If the Federation calls me, I'll be ready," he said.

The French national team's general manager Boris Diaw hasn't ruled out the possibility of Huertel coming back.

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