The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, with the grand event being held from July 26 to August 11. The basketball tournament will commence on July 27, and France's final 12-man roster for it has now been finalized .
"Andrew Albicy, Nicolas Batum, Nando De Colo, Isaia Cordinier, Bilal Coulibaly, Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert, Mathias Lessort, Frank Ntilikina, Matthew Strazel, Victor Wembanyama, Guerschon Yabusele"
The French national team, coached by Vincent Collet, has a formidable lineup that will be one of the toughest challengers to Team USA, along with Canada, Serbia, and Spain.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve announced that Elie Okobo and Theo Maledon were the final two cuts from the roster. France will have five NBA players on its roster during the Olympic basketball tournament: Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Bilal Coulibaly, Evan Fournier, and Nicolas Batum.
Following the game against Germany, the French national team cut Nadir Hifi and Jaylen Hoard, who recently signed with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. Both players left the training camp after not being included in the matchup against Germany on Saturday, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) announced.
Killian Hayes and Ousmane Dieng had been previously cut, while Vincent Poirier had to say goodbye to his Olympic dream due to injury.
France will be competing in Group B, where they will face Germany, Japan, and Brazil. This group presents a mix of competitive teams that will test France's depth and versatility.
Here's a closer look at the final 12 players who will represent France at the Olympics:
Andrew Albicy, a seasoned point guard, brings a wealth of experience to the French team. Known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, Albicy will be crucial in organizing the team’s offense and providing leadership on the court. Albicy averaged 6.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists for Gran Canaria last season.
Nicolas Batum is a versatile forward with a strong all-around game. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, defend multiple positions, and make smart decisions makes him a valuable asset. Batum's experience in the NBA will be vital for France's success in the tournament. Batim averaged 5.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers last season.
Nando De Colo is a highly skilled guard with extensive international experience. He excels in scoring, passing, and creating opportunities for his teammates. De Colo's calm demeanor and clutch performances will be critical in high-pressure situations. 12.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for LDLC ASVEL last season.
Isaia Cordinier is an athletic guard who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. His energy, defensive intensity, and ability to finish at the rim will provide a spark off the bench for France. 8.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game last season for Virtus Bologna.
Bilal Coulibaly, one of the younger players on the roster, is a promising talent with significant potential. As a wing player, his versatility, athleticism, and ability to contribute on both offense and defense will be essential for France’s depth. Coulibaly averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season for the Washington Wizards .
Evan Fournier is one of the primary scoring options for France. Known for his shooting and scoring ability, Fournier can create his own shot and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His experience and scoring prowess will be key to France’s offensive strategy. Coulibaly averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season for the Washington Wizards.
Rudy Gobert , a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the defense for France. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and presence in the paint make him a formidable force. Gobert’s ability to protect the rim and dominate the boards will be crucial for France’s defense. Last season, Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves and also won the Defensive Player Of The Year award.
Mathias Lessort is a powerful center who provides depth in the frontcourt. Known for his physicality, rebounding, and defensive skills, Lessort will be a valuable backup to Gobert, ensuring that France maintains a strong interior presence throughout the game. Lessort averaged 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the last season for Panathinaikos.
Frank Ntilikina is a defensive specialist who can guard multiple positions. His length, quickness, and defensive acumen will be crucial in shutting down opposing guards. Ntilikina's ability to disrupt the opponent’s offense will be a significant asset for France. Last season, Ntilikina averaged 1.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists for the Charlotte Hornets.
Matthew Strazel, a young and talented point guard, adds depth to the backcourt. His playmaking, speed, and ability to penetrate defenses will provide additional options for France’s offensive schemes. Strazel averaged 4.4 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for AS Monaco last season.
Victor Wembanyama is the most promising young talent in basketball. Standing at 7'4", his unique combination of size, skill, and agility makes him a matchup nightmare. Wembanyama’s shot-blocking, scoring, and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting will be pivotal for France. Last season, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game for the San Antonio Spurs .
Guerschon Yabusele is a versatile forward known for his strength and skill set. His ability to play both inside and outside, along with his rebounding and defensive capabilities, adds significant depth to France’s frontcourt. Yabusele averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for Real Madrid last season.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the French roster appears well-balanced and ready to compete at the highest level. The team's strength lies in its versatility, defensive tenacity, and the presence of top-tier NBA talent. As the host nation, France will have the added advantage of home crowd support, which could be a significant boost in their quest for Olympic glory.
The combination of established stars like Wembanyama, Batum and Gobert, alongside rising talents like Coulibaly, positions France as a formidable contender. Coach Vincent Collet's experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by other top teams in the tournament.
As the basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics kicks off, all eyes will be on this powerful French squad to see if they can leverage their home-court advantage and talented roster to challenge the dominance of Team USA and secure a historic medal on home soil.
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