French Basketball Team Finalizes Roster for Paris 2024 Olympics
Final Cuts and Key Inclusions
The French basketball team, under the guidance of coach Vincent Collet, has finalized its roster for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. After a series of cuts and evaluations, the final 12-man squad has been announced. Théo Malédon and Elie Okobo were the last players to be excluded from the group, following Nadir Hifi and Jaylen Hoard, who were dismissed earlier. Notably, NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama will make his debut in major international competition with the French team.
Strategic Decisions and Preparations
The final roster reflects strategic decisions aimed at bolstering the team's defense and ball circulation. Nicolas Batum will play a significant role in the interior positions, alongside Rudy Gobert, Mathias Lessort, Gerschon Yabusele, and Victor Wembanyama. The backcourt will feature Andrew Albicy, Franck Ntilikina, and the experienced duo of Evan Fournier and Nando De Colo. Bilal Coulibaly, who had an impressive first season with the Washington Wizards, and Isaïa Cordinier, who gained strength throughout the preparation matches, will also be key players.
Upcoming Challenges and Friendly Matches
The French team is set to face a series of friendly matches to fine-tune their strategies before the Olympics. They will play against Germany in Montpellier, followed by matches against Serbia, Canada, and Australia. The team's first Olympic match is scheduled against Brazil on July 27, followed by games against Japan and the reigning world champions, Germany. The French squad aims to learn from past failures and make a strong showing in the tournament, with hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals and beyond.
