France’s pursuit of a gold medal at the Paris Olympics relies heavily on NBA stars Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. Even after losing their last four exhibition matches, the pair is still hopeful about their prospects.
Learning from Setbacks
Wembanyama, in his first Olympics, sees the team’s recent defeats against Germany, Serbia, Canada, and Australia as beneficial. “He said it’s preferable to anticipate trouble beforehand and be prepared for it afterward.” Despite facing difficulties, the team’s remarkable energy and strong confidence were emphasized by the 20-year-old.
Building Confidence
After succeeding against Turkey and Australia initially, France’s defeats were valuable learning experiences. Wembanyama stressed the team’s strong determination and self-assurance. He claimed that although the road ahead may not be easy, their confidence remains strong.
Defensive Focus
Gobert, who was defeated by the U.S. in the 2021 gold medal match, highlighted the significance of defense. He declared that our attack will be powered by our defense. He thinks that the success of France depends on their defense, which will help them leverage their strengths.
Strategic Advantages
France’s inclusion of Wembanyama enables them to compete physically against teams with imposing frontcourt players such as Serbia and the U.S. The partnership of Gobert and Wembanyama in executing pick-and-rolls poses a tough situation for their adversaries.
Seclusion and Focus
Beginning the group stage in Lille, separate from the primary Olympic Village, provides the team with privacy and reduced interruptions. Gobert sees this as a good thing, giving the team a chance to recover and prepare in peace.
Bonding and Expectations
Wembanyama recognizes the significance of forming rapid bonds with new teammates. The idea of meeting Team France’s expectations is thrilling to him instead of intimidating.
Anticipation for Lille
Rudy knows the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille well from the 2015 EuroBasket tournament. He anticipates the stadium full of fans, hoping it will generate an amazing environment for the team.
France begins the Olympic competition facing Brazil, with a strong belief and impressive skills leading the way.
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