By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Since obtaining a French passport last July and expanding his international options by becoming a U.S. citizen in September, the speculation on which country Cameroon-born Joel Embiid will represent in FIBA competitions keeps growing with France firmly in the mix.
Plenty of players and head coach Vincent Collet have talked about Embiid potentially joining Les Bleus with the 2023 FIBA World Cup approaching and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris just around the corner as well. France’s play-caller added to the conversation previewing this summer’s squad and fits alongside super prospect Victor Wembanyama heading to his first major international tournament.
“Victor can also play with him,” he talked about Embiid on Saturday’s edition of the French newspaper L’Equipe, “He is one of the top three players in the world. His presence would solidify our frontcourt, would make it even better.”
“Can too many quality players hurt? You can’t use everyone for thirty minutes, problems will arise, and players will need to accept respective roles,” added Collet referring to further options in the paint, including Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, “Without neglecting difficulties, I prefer to deal with them, because I see more advantages than disadvantages.”
Rodrigue Beaubois confirms the opportunity to play for France
Apart from the frontcourt possibly getting crowded, the backcourt might receive an additional boost in the form of Rodrigue Beaubois. The experienced combo guard has yet to represent France internationally but might be en route to a delayed debut.
“It’s true that it’s the only thing missing in my career,” he confirmed the recent report in an interview with SKWEEK after Anadolu Efes beat LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 25 Friday, “It’s hard not to be attracted to the France national team.”
“Vincent [Collet] will pick the team and then we will see,” added Beaubois, “If I’m interested, we will see.”
The complicated situation regarding Thomas Heurtel adds to future decisions for France.
Heavily focusing on Wembanyama, the frontrunner to be selected first overall in the 2023 NBA draft, France’s ambitious project seems ready to launch and aims for history-making success in the upcoming international competitions, especially the 2024 Olympics.
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