'Le Roi' calls it a day

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PARIS (National Team) - French great Antoine Rigaudeau has decided to
call it quits on a terrific playing career.

Rigaudeau,. 33, came out of international retirement to help the French
team capture the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2005, which they
accomplished on Sunday by beating Spain in Belgrade.

His club side in Spain, Pamesa Valencia, had extended the player's
contract for another year before the EuroBasket and was counting on
Rigaudeau to help them return to the top in the ACB, but on Friday the
point guard announced he is retiring.

"Basketball gave me everything but I feel it's time for me to take some
distance," said Rigaudeau. "I know what my abilities are."

He leaves with 127 caps with Les Bleus, the first of which was gained
in November 1990.

In France, Rigaudeau first played in Cholet before moving to
Pau-Orthez.

He was voted MVP of French Pro A five times, the first when he was just
19 years old.

Rigaudeau ultimately moved to Italy to play for Virtus, whom he
captured a FIBA EuroLeague crown with in Barcelona in 1998.

He captured an Olympic silver medal with France in 2000 and the ULEB
Cup in 2001 with Bologna.

He was twice a winner of Italy's top flight, as well as a one-time
winner of the Coppa Italia.

Nicknamed `Le Roi', which is French for king, Rigaudeau played for the
Dallas Mavericks briefly in 2003 before returning to Europe to play for
Pamesa.

He had hoped to play for France in their EuroBasket qualifiers in 2004
but an Achilles injury prevented him from doing so.

He then missed much of last season while recovering from the injury.

French coach Claude Bergeaud was a big fan of the player and wanted him
involved not only for his talent, but his experience and jumped at the
chance to include him when he returned to fitness.

The decision paid off handsomely as France upset EuroBasket hosts
Serbia & Montenegro in the elimination round and went on to claim the
bronze.

"I am proud and happy with my career and the battles I have taken part
in, especially at the 2000 Olympics where we won a historic medal,"
Rigaudeau said.

"Now I am ready to take up new challenges that will allow me to
dedicate myself fully."

Basketball's governing body in France have opened the door for the
great to remain involved in the game. They said in a statement: "The
French Basketball Federation wants to congratulate and to thank Antoine
for what he has given to French basketball, something which will remain
inscribed in the history of this sport.

"It's for this very reason the federation will study with Antoine the
different opportunities for a future collaboration with the
federation."

PA International