In the seven months since the Blazers' 10-11 season ended, Nicolas Batum has matured tremendously.

Batum played for the French National team at the 2011 European Championships in Lithuania and has become a lead of SLUC Nancy.

"People have shown me respect -- the coaches, the players, the refs. I've gone through some great experiences this summer with the national team and now here. When the game is on the line I want the ball. The game is in my hands. That is very good for me. 

"This is different because this is my team." 

Batum has taken his overall game to the next level. 

"When the ball is in my hands I know I can make plays happen and just not stand in the corner and wait. When the game is on the line and the ball is in my hands I want them to trust me and know that everything is going to be okay," asserted Batum. 

"The coach told me I am the boss of the team. This is my team, so I need to be vocal and I need to talk to them and regroup. At halftime I am the one who talks first. I tell guys that we need to wake up. This is our home and we need to protect (it)." 

Jerome Jordan had 12 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes in BC Krka's 84-65 win over Le Mans on Tuesday in EuroCup play.

Jordan is averaging 20.6 points and 8.15 rebounds per 36 minutes this season, while playing 22.5 minutes per game overall.

The Knicks hold the draft rights to Jordan.