FRA - Noah still waiting for French passport

CHICAGO (National Team) - New York-born Joakim Noah wants to play on the international stage with France but he has yet to receive a passport.

The 22-year-old, currently in his rookie season in the NBA with Chicago Bulls, has a French father - 1983 Roland Garros champion Yannick Noah - and a Swedish mother and a grandfather from Cameroon.

He could play for any of the countries, but after being made a French citizen in April this year, he made it clear his intention is to represent that country.

But he has yet to obtain a French passport.

With France out of the running to qualify for next year's Olympic Games, though, Noah said to L'Equipe: "Even if I get a passport today, what does that change?"

"The qualifiers (for EuroBasket 2009) are in 10 months, but I have to talk to the coaches, continue my progress here (at Chicago) and continue to work hard.

"But it could happen quickly because I already have contacts with the French ambassador in New York. There are just some papers to fill in."

Noah could still change his mind and play for a different national side.

He insists that is not up for debate.

"There are lots of things I need to work on, but I want to play for France," he said.

"I really hope that is going to happen."

Steve Douglas
FIBA