With just a day to go until the Paris Olympics, basketball fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the games. Team France has garnered significant attention as they prepare to compete with a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.
Team France is considered one of the strongest teams in the tournament, alongside powerhouses like the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Serbia. France has a rich history in basketball, having won five consecutive silver medals at EuroBasket and three silver medals in the Olympics (1948, 2000, and 2020). Notably, they defeated the United States at the last Olympics in Japan.
France’s Promising Start in Exhibition Games Ignites Hopes
France has shown promise in their preparation games, securing a dominant 96-46 victory over Turkey.
Despite losing an exhibition game against Germany 65-70, with Wembanyama not playing, France remains a formidable team. Their strong roster and “home-court advantage” as the Olympic hosts make them a potential wild card this summer.
The team in Group B with Germany and Japan faces a challenging group setting, but their roster is well-equipped to handle the competition.
Key Players to Watch with a Promising Roster
Victor Wembanyama
The main powerhouse for France is Victor Wembanyama. The San Antonio Spurs star finished his rookie season with 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Wembanyama showcased his talent in an Olympic exhibition, scoring 24 points to help France defeat Turkey.
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Rudy Gobert
Wembanyama will get a lot of support from Rudy, one of the best defenders in the league, Rudy Gobert. Gobert finished last season with averages of 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
The on-court chemistry between Gobert and Wembanyama, particularly in defense, is expected to be a major asset for France. The NBA star duo recently ignited hope among French basketball fans with their understanding during a photoshoot.
In addition to Wembanyama and Gobert, the French roster includes other notable players like Bilal Coulibaly and Nicolas Batum. Additional stars such as Killian Hayes, Nadir Hifi, Theo Maledon, Frank Ntilikina, and Matthew Strazel also add depth to the roster.
Can France Win a Gold Medal At the Paris Olympics?
Team France, led by Victor Wembanyama, will play its opening game on July 27 against Brazil. This match will be a crucial test for the team as it aims to make a strong start in its quest for Olympic glory.
Until now, the USA and Canada have been leading the charge to win gold. If Wembanyama and Gobert’s on-court chemistry aligns well while they get the support they need from other players on the roster, the team can turn the wheel in their favor.
Rest assured that this young and promising roster will not disappoint you in the Paris Olympics if you are a fan of Team France.
Also Read: Tony Parker’s Jersey Number 9 to be Retired by French National Team Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics.