Team Profile: France hope to win it all this time
JAKARTA (Indonesia) - An experienced France are out to keep their recent success alive at major tournaments, but three tough First Round opponents in Group H await it in Jakarta.
JAKARTA (Indonesia) - An experienced France are out to keep their recent success alive at major tournaments, but three tough First Round opponents in Group H await it in Jakarta.
The Roster
Les Bleus have announced a strong, veteran-laden 12-man roster for the World Cup that includes stars Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nando de Colo and Nicolas Batum. Also in the group from the country's Tokyo Olympic silver medal team are Guerschon Yabusele and Mustapha Fall.
Frank Ntilikina had been in the team but he suffered an injury in the preparations and has been replaced by Isaia Cordinier.
Evan Fournier and Guerschon Yabusele
The Tokyo Olympics performance two years ago was impressive. France showed toughness and consistency, and played with a great IQ. Last year at the EuroBasket, there were fine moments yet the France left with an empty feeling after falling to rivals Spain in the Final.
There will also be young blood in France's World Cup team with Sylvain Francisco and Yakuba Ouattara set to play in their first big tournament after participating in the European Qualifiers.
Sylvain Francisco raised eyebrows during the Qualifiers
The Question
After finishing third at the last two World Cups and runners-up at the Tokyo Olympics and FIBA EuroBasket 2022, will France win it all in 2023?
Anything less than another podium finish will be disappointing from France's perspective, especially with their talent and continuity.
The Hope
France will capitalize on their experience, realize their full potential and win the World Cup for the first time. With De Colo and Batum back in the team after resting last summer, and Fournier determined to show his best form after enduring a loss of playing time in the 2022-23 NBA campaign with the New York Knicks, Les Bleus will present the best version of themselves.
France coach Vincent Collet, in charge since 2009, pulls the right strings and the team avoids early setbacks, including against a super-talented Canada in the opening game in Jakarta.
The defense will once again be the primary quality of this squad with three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gobert controlling the paint and the rim. France are tall and athletic, and the guards can put immense pressure on the ball.
Guerschon Yabusele (left) and Rudy Gobert (right) are two forces down low
The Fear
Fournier struggles to perform after his difficult year in New York. For now, he looks fine, yet friendly games and the World Cup are two different things.
If France stumble out of the gate against Canada, they could struggle in ensuing games against Latvia and Lebanon, or in the Second Round against potential opponents Spain and Brazil. The first game against Canada is vital!
Nando De Colo
IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS
| YEAR | EVENT | LOCATION | ACHIEVEMENT |
| 2022 | FIBA EuroBasket | CZE, GEO, ITA, GER | 2nd |
| 2021 | Olympics | Tokyo (JPN) | 2nd |
| 2019 | FIBA Basketball World Cup | Beijing (CHN) | 3rd |
| 2017 | FIBA EuroBasket | Istanbul (TUR) | 12th |
| 2016 | Olympics | Rio de Janeiro (BRA) | 6th |
| 2015 | FIBA EuroBasket | Lille (FRA) | 3rd |
| 2014 | FIBA Basketball World Cup | Madrid (ESP) | 3rd |
| 2013 | FIBA EuroBasket | Ljubljana (SLO) | 1st |
| 2012 | Olympics | London (GBR) | 6th |
| 2011 | FIBA EuroBasket | Kaunas (LTU) | 2nd |
The Poll
More?
For a deeper look on France's journey to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, click here.
FIBA