Ronny Turiaf broke his hand in a EuroBasket 2011 warm-up against Great Britain on Tuesday, according to FIBA, and as such is ruled out for France's quest for a continental championship. FIBA.com reports that Ali Traore will replaced Turiaf on the French roster.
Ronny Turiaf To Miss EuroBasket For France After Breaking Hand
Turiaf was slated to back up Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah for Les Bleus as France attempts to make good on its considerable promise and earn a bid to the 2012 London Olympics. The top two finishers will advance to the Olympics; the next four teams will earn a berth to a last-chance qualifying tournament to be held in July 2012, from which three more Olympic contenders will be drawn.
Turiaf, who plays for the New York Knicks, is only expected to miss 3-4 weeks of action, so even if the NBA lockout is resolved soon the injury shouldn't impact his readiness. EuroBasket begins August 31 and will be held in Lithuania.
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