BasketNews: Joel Embiid faces unwelcome reception in Paris, as fans voice displeasure over his choice to represent the USA 👀🇫🇷 Phrases like “Give back your passport” and “You should have played for France” were reportedly shouted at him. pic.twitter.com/YBbBEkgOqU
France Rumors
France struggled during the preparation period, but despite that, led by Victor Wembanyama and playing at home, the Blues are one of the favorites for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The NBA Rookie of the Year and San Antonio Spurs star is set to play in his first major tournament for his national team, and it happens to be the Olympics at home. “It is still a dream to be able to be at the Olympic Games. I see it almost like any other sporting experience, but even more demanding. Mentally, the emotion is tremendous. It’s hard to realize that it’s really the Olympics. Of course, it’s different from when I used to watch them on TV. It’s still a dream,” Wembanyama said during the pre-Olympic press conference.
He’s looking forward to the unique experience that the Olympics provide, despite the fact that he will be in Lille for the group phase of the tournament during the opening ceremony. “Above all, we young people would have liked to see what the real Olympic experience is like, to be able to be in the Olympic Village and take part in the opening ceremony, and all those things. But it’s best to stay in Lille that day because some of the conditions here are optimal for our performance, even if we wonder what it would have been like if we were in Paris.”
Despite losing four straight games ahead of the Olympic tournament, Wemby believes the French team is on the right track. “We are on the right track because the energy of our entire group, players and coaching staff, is incredible.”
Ben Golliver. Victor Wembanyama covers Le Centre Pompidou in Paris
Mavericks draftee Melvin Ajinca signs one-year deal in France
LDLC Asvel Villerbaune has announced the signing of French forward Melvin Ajinca. According to the club’s announcement, Ajinca signed a 1-year deal with ASVEL that will run through until the end of the 2024-25 season.
ClutchPoints: Reporter: “Are you excited to possibly get the chance to play against the USA Team?” Victor Wembanyama: “I’m excited to play any good teams… We are trying to make it as far as we can to the Gold Medal. It doesn’t matter [who the opponent is].” pic.twitter.com/0spL5gg8AN
BasketNews: France has lost 4 straight Olympic warmup matches and all of them were played on home soil 👀 pic.twitter.com/cp2cKi7GVs
Dyson Daniels hits winning shot as Australia defeats France
The hosts, France, are entering the upcoming basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics with four straight defeats. Dyson Daniels took France down in the final seconds, handing Australia a narrow 82-83 victory in Orleans and sending Vincent Collet’s side to the Olympics with a defeat.
