Which Blues opted out of the Euro match against Georgia following their loss?
The EuroBasket 2025 tournament showcased a new generation of French basketball talent, with several emerging players catching the eye. Among them are Alexandre Sarr, Joan Beringer, Maxime Raynaud, Noah Penda, Noa Essengue, and Nolan Traoré, who are all worth keeping an eye on over the next three years.
One standout performer was Elie Okobo, who averaged an impressive 12.7 points and 5 assists throughout the tournament. Theo Maledon, another young talent, also impressed, averaging 4.3 points and 2.2 assists, and was maintained in the starting lineup until the end of the tournament. However, there were frustrations about his missed start against Georgia.
Maledon's teammate, Bilal Coulibaly, started the tournament strongly, scoring 25 points in his first two matches. But he struggled towards the end, scoring 0 points against Georgia. Isaïa Cordinier also had a mixed performance, averaging 5.2 points during the Paris Games but struggling to find his form from the Euro.
Several players from the French team are expected to return for the 2027 World Cup-JO 2028 duo, assuming they qualify. This includes Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Mathias Lessort, and Matthew Strazel, who were vice-champions in the 2024 Olympics. Guerschon Yabusele, captain of the team, and Isaia Cordinier, Bilal Coulibaly, and Matthew Strazel are also expected to form the core for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Notable absences from the EuroBasket 2025 team include veterans like Nicolas Batum, Nando De Colo, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Mathias Lessort, Vincent Poirier, and Victor Wembanyama due to health issues.
Some players from the team have already secured their futures with top clubs. Real Madrid is set to welcome Theo Maledon, while Maxime Raynaud plays for Sacramento. Joan Beringer plays for Minnesota, Noa Essengue plays for Chicago, and Nolan Traoré plays for Brooklyn.
Two other players who made their debuts in the tournament were Sylvain Francisco and Zaccharie Risacher. Francisco averaged 9.8 points and 3.7 assists, while Risacher averaged 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds.
Noah Penda, who plays for Orlando, had to withdraw during Euro 2025 due to an undisclosed injury. Alexandre Sarr also had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury.
As the French basketball team looks to the future, it's clear that there is a wealth of talent emerging, ready to take on the world stage. With the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, it will be exciting to see how these young players develop and perform.
