GER - Germans get Kaman thumbs-up after win over Canada

MANNHEIM (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Germany finally received the documentation from the NBA that will Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman to play at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

But they didn't get the all-clear until after their 84-74 triumph over Canada on Friday.

The game, in which Dirk Nowitzki poured in a game-high 25 points for the Germans, was the last friendly for the teams ahead of the qualifying event in Athens which runs from July 14-20.

After the contest, the German federation received a fax from the NBA which included the necessary insurance guarantee and permits Kaman to play in Greece.

Kaman was able to obtain a passport earlier this month because his great grandparents were German.

"We are very pleased," Bauermann said.

"It's better late than never. All parties have done everything possible and finally the almost impossible is possible.

"I think that Chris brings great quality to our team and increases our chances of reaching the Olympics."

German Basketball Federation president Ingo Weiss was also buoyed by the news that Kaman can now play.

"Chris is an asset on and off the court," Weiss said.

"I am convinced that we are going to qualify for Beijing in Athens."

Kaman said he can now focus firmly on the team and their qualifying games coming up against Cape Verde and New Zealand.

"I am relieved that the (clearance) issue is off the table," Kaman said.

Canada beat the Germans in Hamburg on Wednesday and had hoped to go into the qualifying event, where they will take on Slovenia and Korea in Group C, with winning momentum.

Instead, they left Mannheim frustrated and fuming over the way the game was officiated after Samuel Dalembert, Rans Brempong and Levon Kendall all fouled out.

Joel Anthony ended the game with four fouls.

Nevertheless, the game had no real significance and Canada coach Leo Rautins is eager to highlight the perception that his team, no matter how good they have looked the past few weeks, are underdogs.

"I don't think people really expect us to do anything," Rautins said. "I don't really care how people perceive us - we just have to play through anything."

The pressure is truly on the Germans, and especially Bauermann who must integrate Kaman into the line-up with the NBA star having not played in a single game with the Germans.

The good news for Germany is that they do not play their first qualifier until Tuesday and even then it is against Cape Verde. One day later they will take on a rebuilding Tall Blacks side.

Those are two games that most expect Nowitzki and Co to win, and that means Kaman will get two games under his belt before the business end of the event - the quarter-finals - are played on July 18.

FIBA