By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The uncertainty surrounding the international status of Joel Embiid persists with France among the countries hoping to secure his services for future tournaments. The Philadelphia 76ers star representing the European country in the approaching FIBA World Cup was ruled out by senior national team head coach Vincent Collet.
“Not this year,” Collet replied to Serbian outlet Telegraf regarding Embiid suiting up for France in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, “We don’t know. It’s up to him to decide. We await his decision and are hopeful.”
Collet, 60, was already closing on ruling out Embiid from the World Cup to be held in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, from 25 August to 10 September.
Embiid, 29, is also eligible to play for the USA and Cameroon, apart from Les Bleus. Over recent months, he has been recruited by both USA and France.
“In a few years, all the best players will be from Europe”
In a recent blow for the team coached by Collet, Victor Wembanyama announced his decision to skip the World Cup in favor of preparing for his rookie NBA season, after being selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick of last week’s NBA draft.
“I hope Wembanyama can develop into a player like Nikola Jokic,” said Collet in the interview held before the French prodigy opted to focus on the NBA this summer.
“He is only 19 years old. I know him very well because I trained him,” he added referring to coaching Wemby through the 2022-23 campaign at Metropolitans 92, “I believe he will be very successful [in the NBA]. In a few years, all the best players will be from Europe, if he succeeds.”
Heading to the World Cup and starting from Group H, France will take on Canada, Latvia, and Lebanon in Indonesia Arena through the preliminary round.
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