FRANKFURT/MAIN (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Dirk Nowitzki has again spoken of his burning desire to play at the Beijing Olympics.

Coming off a second straight first-round exit from the NBA play-offs, Nowitzki is anxious to return to the court to help fire Germany to Beijing via the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

At his first press conference back in Germany following his return from the United States, Nowitzki said: “It is our big dream to be at the Olympics, and this goal requires our entire focus.”

In July’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, Germany are almost certain to claim one of the top two places in a Group B which also includes New Zealand and Cape Verde.

The next task will be enormously difficult because they will face Greece or Brazil in a quarter-final, unless Lebanon springs an upset and finishes among the top two in Group A.

Nowitzki listed his main goals for the assembled media.

"I want to still play six years at the highest level,” he said.

“I want to win, unconditionally, the championship in the NBA. And I want to be with the national team at the Olympics in Beijing.

"It didn’t happen for Sydney and Athens. I unconditionally want to fulfill my dream and reach Beijing."

Nowitzki, who spends every summer working out with Holger Geschwindner, was supposed to link up with his close friend and mentor on Thursday to begin his individual training before joining the national team for their final stage of preparations in Mallorca on June 21.

FIBA