Paris 2024: the Wembanyama star, the Gobert-Fournier duo, the Hayes surprise… The list of Blues to prepare for the Olympic Games
Vincent Collet unveiled, Thursday May 16, a first expanded list to prepare for the Olympic Games, which will take place from July 27 to August 10 for men. The coach, who will restrict his list before the Games to the twelve players required, has decided to currently call 19 players for the six preparation matches which will take place between July 3 and 21.
Vincent Collet trusted his usual backbone, made up of Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum or Rudy Gobert, while obviously adding Victor Wembanyama, who only played four matches with the Blues, the last dating back to February 26, 2023 .
The coach completed his selection of interiors, the strong sector of the France team, with the usual Guerschon Yabusele and Vincent Poirier, who should be on the trip to Lille. On the wings, the young Bilal Coulibaly, author of a successful first season with Washington in the NBA but injured since March, will be present, as will the veteran Nando De Colo (197 caps).
In the position of leader, the lightest, Andrew Albicy should inherit the lead, with Frank Ntilikina in rotation. Little surprise with the selection of Killian Hayes and Théo Maledon, who had a difficult NBA season. On the other hand, no Thomas Heurtel, who went to play in Russia during the war in Ukraine, and who was declared ineligible following this choice.
Vincent Collet also decided to trust several young people in this expanded list, such as Nadir Hifi, Matthew Strazel or Jaylen Hoard. The coach will refine his list as the preparation matches progress, which will begin on July 3 against Turkey in Rouen, and will conclude on the 21st against Australia in Orléans.
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