Décines-Charpieu, France — As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begins, French basketball took center stage at the LDLC Arena on July 12, with both the men’s and women’s teams squaring off against Serbia in a highly anticipated warm-up event.
The atmosphere was electric as the evening honored Tony Parker, regarded as the greatest player in the history of French basketball, with a special ceremony featuring a symbolic blue jersey adorned with the name “Parker“ and the number 9, which floated skyward amid pyrotechnics.
The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) had initially envisioned a double-header against Team USA but settled for a formidable Serbian squad led by NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
The women’s team delivered an impressive performance, decisively defeating Serbia 85-63, showcasing their resilience after past defeats in European Championship finals. Coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s strategy of maintaining a high-paced rhythm proved successful, reflecting the team’s determination and skill.
In contrast, the men‘s team faced a tougher challenge. Despite early contributions from rising star Victor Wembanyama, who scored seven of France’s first nine points, the team ultimately succumbed to Serbia with a final score of 67-79.
Wembanyama’s return to the lineup after missing the previous match against Germany was notable, as he finished with 14 points, but the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations.
“We knew Serbia would be a tough opponent; they are one of the best teams in the world aside from Team USA,“ commented French coach Vincent Collet in the lead-up to the match. His pre-game analysis proved prescient, as the Serbian team, boasting depth and experience, quickly exploited weaknesses in the French defense.
The second quarter marked a turning point, with Serbia launching a 16-point scoring run that left France struggling to respond. The French team, often regarded for their attacking prowess, found themselves lacking in creativity and execution.
Shooting guard Evan Fournier criticized the performance, stating, “It was poor from A to Z. We’re way off the mark. We’re getting dominated; we’re not playing the way we should.“
Coach Collet acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly in light of the Serbian team’s physical style of play. “We reacted to their toughness in the second half,“ he noted, but ultimately, the effort fell short as the French struggled to bridge the gap in the scoreline.
With just 13 days remaining until the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, these warm-up matches serve as a crucial litmus test for both teams.
The women’s victory builds momentum and confidence, while the men’s squad is urged to regroup and refine their strategies in preparation for the rigorous competition that awaits.
As France gears up for the Olympic tournament, the experiences gleaned from these encounters with Serbia will be pivotal.
Both teams are determined to translate lessons learned into improved performances on the world stage, hoping to bring home medals and add to the legacy of French basketball.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
