Nowitzki chases dream for Germany

BERLIN: Dirk Nowitzki has been chasing an Olympic dream since he was a 10-year-old boy and has not lost sight of his ambition even though he is now one of the top players in the NBA.

"I love playing basketball and I love playing for my country," Nowitzki told reporters ahead of a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament when asked why he gives up his off season vacations and plays his heart out for Germany.