PARIS (National Team) - France captain Boris Diaw is very optimistic about the future of the national team following last week's appointment of Michel Gomez as coach.

Gomez, who is back in charge of France for the second time, has coached numerous clubs in France and Diaw is confident the federation has made a wise choice.

"I do not know him personally," Diaw said on his personal website.

"I got to see his experience at Pau (Orthez) from 1990 to 1996. I was in town and was paying attention to what was happening at the Elan Béarnais.

"I thus lived these moments when they've won many titles.

 "All I can tell you is that I have heard nothing but good comments. I know he is someone that always got along with the players. He proved that he could win. He is a good coach with experience."

Diaw and France had hoped to play at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this summer in Athens but finished eighth at last year's EuroBasket in Spain.

World champions Spain, EuroBasket winners Russia and bronze medalists Lithuania qualified for the Beijing Games while Greece, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia rounded out the top seven and earned places in the tournament in Athens.

Diaw says he is to soon meet up with the Federation to discuss the change and to look ahead to the qualifying campaign for EuroBasket 2009.

"I know that they are coming to see me next week and we will take the time to talk about the future and the qualies for the Euro 2009."

Another France national team player, Vallodolid's Joseph Gomis, is uncertain about his place with the national team following Claude Bergeaud's decision to resign as coach near the end of last year.

 "I do not know what politics he intends to follow," Gomis said, "but I am obviously at his disposal.

"I don´t know much about  Michel Gomez.  I know his career and the awards he has achieved, but I´ve never been coached by him.  If he calls me, I will go, because to play for the national team means a lot to  me."

FIBA