Jerome Schmitt intends to learn as much as he can from his spell with France at Alpe d'Huez despite believing he will not be part of Les Bleus' final 12-man squad for EuroBasket 2005.

The 24-year-old Bourg-en-Bresse centre was picked by national coach Claude Bergeaud at the start of August to take part to their training camp in the Alps as a replacement for 19-year-old Johan Petro, who remained in Seattle for the Rookie Camp.

Schmitt admits he has been living a dream week since the players got together last Sunday.

"When people were mentioning the French team to me a few months ago I was laughing," he told L'Equipe.

		“	When people were mentioning the French team to me a few months ago I was laughing	„
		Jerome Schmitt

Schmitt, whose talent broke out with Bourg-en-Bresse last campaign, was voted best player of Pro B in 2001 with Strasbourg.

And he admits he would have never thought to be training nor playing alongside stars such as Antoine Rigaudeau, Boris Diaw and Tony Parker.

"I did not know them," added Schmitt. "I had never met Rigaudeau and Parker but they were very nice to me straight away and helped me adapt and feel at ease fast."

Schmitt is enjoying every moment of his stay with Les Bleus but does not want to get carried away about his chances of playing in Serbia & Montenegro next month.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I am sure it will be useful for next season with Bourg," he added.

"Being with Les Bleus is a good thing for my confidence but I am realistic. 

"I don't dream too much, and for me I will not be in the final 12-men list.

"Frederic Sarre (Bourg coach) told me to enjoy myself and that's what I am doing."

Schmitt is determined, however, to demonstrate his potential to Bergeaud.

"It would be a shame to be here and not give my best," he said.

"The French team must prepare for a great competition and I cannot have a relaxed attitude. I must be a fighter, too, and have the right spirit.

"I have one foot in the group and I will do all I can to stay but I have not set myself any objectives.

"I want to concentrate on my game, and work on my shooting abilities to become a more versatile player next season."

France will face Belgium in Alpe d'Huez on Tuesday before travelling to Spain and Turkey to play in further warm-up matches.

They will then stay in Limoges from September 8 to 10 and play a final preparation match against Italy in Rome on September 13 ahead of the start of the tournament three days later.