MIES (Switzerland) - France came up just short of glory for the second straight time at the Olympics when they fell to USA last summer in Paris.
The Americans beat the French in the Gold Medal Game, three years after edging them in the Tokyo Final.
As the amazing Victor Wembanyama evolves and comes back from his season ending condition even better than he already is, Les Bleus could reach the top.
"I'm learning," Wembanyama warns in the last episode of the Netflix series Court of Gold.
"I'm worried for the opponents in a couple of years."
Voted to the Olympics' All-Star Five, Wembanyama had 26 points and 7 rebounds in the Final.
I'm learning. I'm worried for the opponents in a couple of years
Wembanyama, who makes the comment in the mixed zone at Bercy while answering questions after USA's 98-87 triumph, is someone the USA players already had a healthy respect for.
That was evident as some hugged him on the court after the Final and offered him words of encouragement.
Wembanyama is not the only cause for optimism in France, with the country boasting some of the best talent in the world. Right now, France arguably have the second-deepest pool of players, behind only the USA.
Some of that was on display under new coach Frederic Fauthoux in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, with France completing their unbeaten campaign in February by winning tough games at Croatia, 83-80, and at home against Bosnia and Herzegovina, 76-74.
Elie Okobo hit a game-winning jumper from the free-throw line to clinch that victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Okobo, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Yoan Makoundou and Matthew Strazel were particularly impressive in the February window.
Then there are players that the Americans will be more familiar with, those currently in the NBA like Guerschon Yabusele, who famously dunked on LeBron James in the Gold Medal Game.
France's Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in last year's draft and are good bets to be in the team when the Olympics are held in Los Angeles. Both have expressed strong interest in joining the French national team this summer for FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
The Americans are the kings of the Olympics but at bare minimum, France will be among those aiming to knock them off the throne.
FIBA