The tallest players in France will be crucial to the country’s chances of winning a gold medal in men’s basketball when it leaves the Olympics in Paris.
NBA players Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, two 7-footers, stated on Wednesday that they think the host country still has time to come to terms with its past after losing its final four exhibition games before the Olympic event.
Wembanyama, 20, stated during the virtual press conference, “There are good lessons we’re taking from our preparation because we all know it’s better to get into trouble before, and to be ready after.” We’re moving in the right direction because of the amazing spirit that permeates both the staff and the players in our group.
Wembanyama, who will be competing in his first Olympics, claimed that his belief stems from what he has witnessed in the wake of France’s series of exhibition defeats by Germany, Serbia, Canada, and Australia. These losses came after they opened their Olympic tune-up series with convincing victories over Australia and Turkey.
“The determination to act. He remarked, “I’ve never seen so much of it in other teams before. “We continue to have great confidence. We are aware that the journey will not be easy. There will be challenges.
France, who was defeated by the United States in the 2021 gold medal final, takes on Brazil in the opening group stage match of the Olympic event on Saturday in Lille.
This year, the majority of the 2021 team is back. However, the inclusion of Wembanyama, the current NBA Rookie of the Year, ought to make it possible for France to physically compete against nations with large front courts, such as Serbia and the United States.
Additionally, France may surprise teams by running pick-and-rolls with Gobert and Wembanyama combined, which presents an almost impossible situation for the opposition to decide how to proceed.
However, Gobert believes that this team’s strength will be its defense. That’s what the most recent exhibition trips from France lacked.
It is a topic we discuss daily. The strength of this team is undeniable,” he declared. “We are fortunate to have a team with experience, but we also realize that great defense is necessary if we hope to have a chance to win. Our attack will be fueled by our defense. We are putting a lot of effort into being able to consistently utilize our assets and strengths.
The fact that France will begin the group stage in Lille, more than an hour away from Paris, is another reason why neither player is worried.
The crew won’t be present for the much-anticipated Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday due to the distance. However, Gobert added that the squad will also have some privacy from the other competitors by not being in the main Olympic Village, which may help them psychologically tune in.
It’s advantageous. There are less distractions since we are more ensconced in our cocoon. There’s usually a lot going on in the Village,” Gobert remarked. There is excellent infrastructure in Lille. Peace and safety are present. Therefore, I think it was a wise choice. I’m hoping it would help the players spend quality time together and enable us to recover and prepare effectively.
Gobert also knows Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium from when he played in the EuroBasket competition in 2015. Third place went to France in the competition.
It might be amazing. Gobert remarked, “I’m excited to see the stadium packed with fans.”
Wembanyama conceded there is some disappointment but nevertheless agreed with the decision.
“Even though we still wonder what it would have been like in Paris, I think it’s the right decision to stay (in Lille), because there are certain conditions here that are more optimal for performance,” he stated.
Wembanyama, who is a new student on a French roster that includes players who have competed together for several Olympic cycles, eventually believes that time will also aid in the bonding process.
He remarked, “As a group, we have to get to know each other quickly.” Some players I haven’t played with in the past. Therefore, there’s more to it than just meeting Team France’s standards. It’s not frightening at all. It’s more thrilling than terrifying.
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