Slovenian international Matjaz Smodis knows his immediate future may be in the NBA after helping fire Climamio Bologna to the Lega A crown last week.

Several of his compatriots have made it in the world's elite league with two, Beno Udrih and Rasho Nesterovic, members of the San Antonio Spurs side that leads Detroit 3-2 in the NBA Finals.

"Fortitudo holds my contract," Smodis told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I can only leave to go to the NBA. But the decision has to be taken by Bologna."

		“	My dream is to play alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, my idol when I was young	„
		Matjaz Smodis

NBA scouts have been raving about Smodis' shooting stroke, something he put on display in the play-offs.

He had one of the best games of the Italian post-season, pouring in 19 points on seven of nine shooting - one of two from the arc - as Climamio came from 18 points down to stun Lottomatica Roma in Game Four and clinch a place in the finals.

If he does leave, it will end a hugely successful five years in Bologna, where he previously spent three season with Virtus.

Bologna owner Giorgio Seragnoli already stated prior to his team's title triumph over Armani Jeans Milano that he wishes to keep Smodis and his national team-mate Erazem Lorbek at Fortitudo next season.

Smodis does not rule out remaining at Bologna, saying: "I still consider myself a Fortitudo player but I am starting to consider the idea of leaving."

Smodis missed Eurobasket 2003 with a back injury, having played in the previous two tournaments with Slovenia, and has not played in the qualifying games this year's European Championships in Serbia & Montenegro as he struggled with several injuries this season.

"I have to reflect on this decision," said Smodis.

"I have to make a life choice which is not easy because I have to consider family, my career and money, a lot of money, otherwise it doesn't interest me."

If Smodis, who averaged 12 points and six rebounds in the regular season, does not go to America, he could end up leaving on a transfer to a club like European giants CSKA Moscow or Barcelona.

The 2.05m tall player said: "There is only interest at the moment.

"There's no serious offer on the table.

"The same case goes for my eventual contract extension with Fortitudo. I am not putting pressure on anyone, of course. If I was to look at the system of play, it would be much easier to remain with (Bologna coach) Jasmin Repesa."

One NBA club thought to be seriously interested in Smodis is the Charlotte Bobcats, where his compatriot Primoz Brezec plies his trade.

"My dream is to sign for Miami," said Smodis. "I want to play alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, my idol when I was young.

"But even at Charlotte I would play with Okafor and with Brezec, who is Slovenian like me, so it wouldn't be bad. I don't lack the will and the ambition to compete in America even though at Bologna I'm really happy."

Smodis believes that even if he leaves this summer, the Italian champions can still compete at the highest level.

"We've already opened a cycle having played in so many finals in the past few years," said Smodis.

"This will continue even without me. The young players are strong and are the future of this team."

Slovenian international Matjaz Smodis knows his immediate future may be in the NBA after helping fire Climamio Bologna to the Lega A crown last week.

Several of his compatriots have made it in the world's elite league with two, Beno Udrih and Rasho Nesterovic, members of the San Antonio Spurs side that leads Detroit 3-2 in the NBA Finals.

"Fortitudo holds my contract," Smodis told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I can only leave to go to the NBA. But the decision has to be taken by Bologna."

		“	My dream is to play alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, my idol when I was young	„
		Matjaz Smodis

NBA scouts have been raving about Smodis' shooting stroke, something he put on display in the play-offs.

He had one of the best games of the Italian post-season, pouring in 19 points on seven of nine shooting - one of two from the arc - as Climamio came from 18 points down to stun Lottomatica Roma in Game Four and clinch a place in the finals.

If he does leave, it will end a hugely successful five years in Bologna, where he previously spent three season with Virtus.

Bologna owner Giorgio Seragnoli already stated prior to his team's title triumph over Armani Jeans Milano that he wishes to keep Smodis and his national team-mate Erazem Lorbek at Fortitudo next season.

Smodis does not rule out remaining at Bologna, saying: "I still consider myself a Fortitudo player but I am starting to consider the idea of leaving."

Smodis missed Eurobasket 2003 with a back injury, having played in the previous two tournaments with Slovenia, and has not played in the qualifying games this year's European Championships in Serbia & Montenegro as he struggled with several injuries this season.

"I have to reflect on this decision," said Smodis.

"I have to make a life choice which is not easy because I have to consider family, my career and money, a lot of money, otherwise it doesn't interest me."

If Smodis, who averaged 12 points and six rebounds in the regular season, does not go to America, he could end up leaving on a transfer to a club like European giants CSKA Moscow or Barcelona.

The 2.05m tall player said: "There is only interest at the moment.

"There's no serious offer on the table.

"The same case goes for my eventual contract extension with Fortitudo. I am not putting pressure on anyone, of course. If I was to look at the system of play, it would be much easier to remain with (Bologna coach) Jasmin Repesa."

One NBA club thought to be seriously interested in Smodis is the Charlotte Bobcats, where his compatriot Primoz Brezec plies his trade.

"My dream is to sign for Miami," said Smodis. "I want to play alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, my idol when I was young.

"But even at Charlotte I would play with Okafor and with Brezec, who is Slovenian like me, so it wouldn't be bad. I don't lack the will and the ambition to compete in America even though at Bologna I'm really happy."

Smodis believes that even if he leaves this summer, the Italian champions can still compete at the highest level.

"We've already opened a cycle having played in so many finals in the past few years," said Smodis.

"This will continue even without me. The young players are strong and are the future of this team."