French forward Ronny Turiaf is firmly focused on launching his NBA career after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers but he is ready to play for his country at the EuroBasket if called upon.

The 23-year-old power forward/center who recently finished an outstanding career at Gonzaga, was taken in the second round by the Lakers.

NBA commitments have prevented some players from turning out for their countries in recent seasons.

Though Turiaf, who was in the EuroBasket squad two years ago, is unlikely to play in this year's tournament, he said: "For now I am a reserve but if I am called up I will go."

Les Bleus begin their preparations on August 7 in Alpe D'Huez where they will remain  until the 20th before travelling to Spain and Turkey.

They will be back in France at the start of September for a tournament held in Limoges to face Turkey, Ukraine and Bulgaria from September 8-10.

During that tournament, Bergeaud will unveil his final 12-man squad for the EuroBasket which will be held in Serbia & Montenegro from September 16-25.

The French are in Group C and will face Greece in their opening clash before taking on Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia.

The group winners advances to the quarter-finals, while the sides that finish second and third will have to play in the elimination round.