France’s home gold

By George Orfanakis/info@eurohoops.net

Is the home advantage important for the team whose country hosts the tournament? Does each host get a head start compared to the rest of the teams? In this case, is France an even stronger favorite since the final stage of the EuroBasket is going to be held in Lille?

Eurohoops.net searched and found the final position in which all the host countries that have held the EuroBasket finished, from way back in 1937 and Switzerland up to the most recent tournament in Slovenia, and drew its conclusions regarding the level of influence the home court has.

In a total of 38 tournaments, the host country has managed to climb on the podium 19 times, which is a 50% figure! In the last 30 years, however, that percentage has dropped significantly since in the last 16 EuroBasket competitions the host country has managed to celebrate a medal just 6 times (37.5%).

Over the years the home court factor has been gradually losing its sway, as most teams might enjoy the support of their fans but at the same time are unable to bear the weight of being the favorites. At the same time, with the number of teams that participate in the EuroBasket having gone up to 24, the competition has become much fiercer while hosting the tournament has been taken up by countries that are not traditional basketball powers (Slovenia, Sweden, Poland).

Now, France’s progress in the EuroBasket in September is anticipated with great interest, so we can see whether Tony Parker and his gang will confirm the rule of the last few years that wants the favorites – and, in particular, those playing at home –having a tough go!