By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Besides commenting on his own poor showing, Evan Fournier was critical of the way France started the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Group K game versus the Czech Republic in Paris yesterday night, Wednesday. Looking into the next international fixtures, he warned that every single opponent will be motivated to beat the Blues.
“Coming back like that in the EuroBasket will be complicated,” the New York Knicks swingman predicted on France managing to replicate the rally from the 12-point deficit in the 2022 EuroBasket, “For a good run to the podium, we must start games better.”
Fournier, 29, was limited to 3/13 from the field with seven points in 22 minutes. Elie Okobo threw in ten points, four assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
“We talked about it before the game,” said the former player of the Phoenix Suns sharing his view on the comeback win against the Czech Republic, “We always start slow, without rhythm.”
Traveling to Cologne to compete in Group B of EuroBasket’s preliminary round, France will take on Germany, Lithuania, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Slovenia between 1 and 7 September. The top four teams will participate in the knockout stage to be held in Berlin.
“We have a target on our backs.” stressed Fournier, “We won the silver medals in last year’s Olympic Games, so must display our strength.”
Before EuroBasket, France will complete FIBA’s international window by visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo Saturday. A win would improve the W-L tally to 7-1 and further cement the bid for a berth in next summer’s World Cup.
“I think this type of game is an opportunity to continue preparations,” said head coach Vincent Collet adding the win over the Czech Republic in the undefeated run in prep games, “We have won all of our games so far. We were lacking a challenging situation, like the one in the first half. I hope we can use our reaction to continue progress.”
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL