Excitement, in any language is unmistakable and the students at the Portland French School were excited to see Nicolas Batum of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. Batum, born in Lisieux, France, was equally excited.

In a colorful gymnasium, with hoops low enough a sportswriter could dunk, hung a sign that read: "Bienvenue Nicolas - Lecole Francaie de Portland - Adore les Blazers."