Podium chasers France have plenty of star power in exciting squad list

PARIS (France) - Host nation France will have their eyes on another medal after announcing an eye-catching and exciting 18-player candidate list for the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.

"We're going to have a very lengthy preparation, and the second objective is to assess certain players", said head coach Jean Aime Toupane in the press conference. "We've made choices based on performance and for reasons of chemistry."

Packed with star names, some highly talented young guns and of course, headlined by Marine Johannes, there's a lot to love for the fans who will be flocking to Lille and Paris in support of their team's medal pursuit.

The initial squad gives a huge green light to those ballers who performed so brilliantly at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 earlier this year.

France went unbeaten, memorably sweeping aside not only Puerto Rico and New Zealand as expected, but also home favorites China and 11 of those players who participated make the first cut. 

It was primarily Johannes and Xi'An MVP Gabby Williams who led proceedings back in February and this is the duo that is likely to be at the forefront of France's challenge on home soil.

They will also rely on the in-form Valeriane Ayayi who was exceptional at the EuroLeague Women Final Four 2024 in Mersin with ZVVZ USK Praha, while the likes of Marine Fauthoux, Iliana Rupert and Janelle Salaun also add new leadership qualities as they all look to step up their influence and roles in the side. 

There could also be precious experience from the likes of veteran guard Sarah Michel Boury and Alexia Chery who are two of seven players included that stepped out at Tokyo 2020. The most notable absence from those who delivered a bronze medal in the Japanese capital three years is the legendary Sandrine Gruda.

Dominique Malonga could be one of the young players to watch in Paris if she makes the final roster

The list of candidates also gives a glimpse into how France are very much future proof whatever happens in Paris, An array of stellar-talented young players. This includes the towering Dominique Malonga and also Carla Leite and Leila Lacan. The trio have all excelled at FIBA youth events in recent years. 

The full list of French players and all other announced squads can be found at our Roster Tracker for the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.

FIBA