The French team's first preparation match for the Olympic Games against Turkey was marked by an outstanding performance from Victor Wembanyama, often referred to as 'Wemby.' His brilliant display led to a resounding victory for the Blues, with a final score of 96-46. Wembanyama, the new star of the team, scored 24 points, including several impressive alley-oops, and added six rebounds and four assists to his tally.
Captain Nicolas Batum praised Wembanyama's impact on the game, noting that the alley-oop is a particularly interesting weapon. Wembanyama's versatility in both defense and attack, switching between inside and outside play, is something the French team has never experienced before. Batum highlighted Wembanyama as a significant asset, capable of playing effectively in both the four and five positions.
Wembanyama's performance was complemented by Rudy Gobert, forming an extraordinary defensive and offensive partnership. The duo's chemistry was evident as they started together, with Wembanyama initially playing as a strong winger before moving to the pivot position. Gobert, a seasoned player and the best defender of the year, played a big brother role to the young prodigy, further enhancing their on-court synergy.
Wembanyama expressed his satisfaction with the team's solid defense and their ability to meet the coach's expectations. He emphasized the importance of experimenting and building without wasting time to be ready for the Olympic Games. The use of alley-oops, a strength in FIBA basketball, was effectively demonstrated in the game, showcasing Wembanyama's potential to exploit this tactic to its fullest.
The match in Rouen provided a glimpse of the promising future for the French team, with the towering presence of Wembanyama and Gobert creating a formidable duo. Their unique association, combining Wembanyama's rookie energy with Gobert's defensive prowess, is expected to bring a lot of fun and success for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.
- In an impatient Kindarena in Rouen, the anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the debut of the towering duo. Coach Vincent Collet strategically placed Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama in the starting lineup, creating an exciting and formidable frontcourt.
- The chemistry between Gobert and Wembanyama was evident from the start, with their shared history and mutual respect contributing to their seamless collaboration on the court. The sight of the two 'twin towers' in action was both thrilling for French fans and intimidating for their opponents.
- Wembanyama, the first Frenchman to be selected No. 1 in the NBA draft, expressed his excitement about the team's potential and their ability to build a strong foundation quickly. As the team continues to experiment and refine their strategies, the goal remains clear: to be fully prepared and in peak form for the Olympic Games.
