SLO - Rasho says good-bye to international competition

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Rasho Nesterovic signed off from international basketball after Slovenia's 81-70 defeat to Puerto Rico in their quarter-final showdown at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.

The Slovenian captain had hoped to propel his national team to the Olympics in Beijing for the first time but it was not to be.

In an exclusive interview with FIBA.Com, the 32-year-old Nesterovic spoke of his time with Slovenia.

FIBA: Rasho, the game against Puerto Rico was your last with the national team. How difficult was losing this game and missing out on the Olympics for you?

Nesterovic: It's tough because every athlete dreams of going to the Olympics. It would have been a great honour for me to have seen Slovenia among the 12 teams playing in Beijing but it didn't come true.

FIBA: You were voted the MVP of the European Under-22 Championship in 1996 and one year later, you took part in your first of five EuroBaskets. In 2006, you led Slovenia at the FIBA World Championship. How important was it for you to represent Slovenia?

Nesterovic: To represent Slovenia has meant a lot to me. It has been a pleasure to be with the group of guys in my team. I have enjoyed every single moment. It was never tough for me to be in this team - the guys just made it easier.

FIBA: For a country with a population of two million, Slovenia have shown in recent years they have a lot of talent. What can we expect from this team in the future?

Nesterovic: A young generation is coming up and I hope some of them will have the honour and the privilege to play at the Olympics.

FIBA: What message would you like to send out to all those young Slovenia players?

Nesterovic: Do not quit, regardless of critics. Keep working hard.

FIBA: Rasho, what is next up for you?

Nesterovic: I cannot complain. I still have a very good club career ahead of me. The national team didn't work out. I have to transfer to Indiana. I will take a couple of weeks off and then get ready for next season.

FIBA