Contract fulfilled. With two victories against the two strongest teams in Group E of qualifying for Euro 2025, Croatia (73-61) in Brest last Friday and Bosnia (74-64) on Monday in Tuzla, the team of France de basketball did the job on an accounting level. The Blues already have one foot in the next European Championship, knowing that the first three in each group will be there and that Cyprus, their next opponent, in November, is automatically qualified as co-organizer. Clearly, we will have to finish at least ahead of Croatia or Bosnia to obtain the sesame.
But this first gathering since the crash of the World Cup last summer in Jakarta had a double importance: to refuel for Euro 2025 but also, and above all, to “re-invigorate momentum”. “There is no need to wait until the Olympic Games are being prepared in June to restart another cycle. This window must also serve, beyond the need to win matches, to re-impulse a more conquering state of mind,” indicated Vincent Collet at the start of the course. From this point of view, the Blues, with the Euroleague players but without the NBAers and Nando De Colo, generally responded, even if the team lined up in Lille and Paris next summer will be very different. What to remember from this window.
In the absence of several of those who will be its offensive leaders at the Olympics, including Evan Fournier, Nando De Colo or a certain Victor Wembanyama, the French team relied on its defense to overcome the Croats and Bosnians . A classic. And it wasn’t so simple, knowing that some “big guys” lost their feathers during this February window, like the German world champions and the Spanish European champions. It was when the Blues raised their voice defensively that they opened up gaps, not through the quality of their play (see elsewhere). All while putting under cover the stars of Real who are Mario Hezonja (7/20) and especially Dzanan Musa (5/13, 6 ball losses). France also held its opponents to 37 and 40% on shots, causing 19 and 18 turnovers. When we know that boys like “Wemby”, Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum will be there this summer, we say to ourselves that the blue wall will be hard to cross… Without forgetting the Bilal Coulibaly option, so promising in the NBA with Washington.
Overall solid and serious on the defensive level, the French hardly impressed on the other side of the field, in terms of skill (46.2% on shots over the two matches, including 27.3% from three points) , but also and above all on throws (63.8%), dropping offensive rebounds in spades against Croatia (13) and in the first period against Bosnia (8). Not to mention the ball losses (16 and 15). “There are problems, but the difficulties are also cyclical,” judges Collet (via L’Équipe), explaining that it is complicated to put the offensive game in place during this type of sequence. He added: “There is no direct correlation between what we have produced and what we will be capable of this summer. There is a game project to move forward, a team that we do not yet know, with different players, who will offer more options and solutions in attack. We have ideas.” Most of which revolve around a Spur…
To the gathering, Vincent Collet had invited four rookies, Stéphane Risacher (withdrawal from Bosnia), Jaylen Hoard, Nadir Hifi (not called up for Croatia) and Matthew Strazel. They all made their debut in Blue. The last named took the opportunity to show himself. Guided by the nerve that characterizes him, the 21-year-old Monegasque leader scored 12 points against Croatia and another 11 in Bosnia. “We thought he was very good all week,” said Collet after Croatia. It’s a confirmation, like what he’s showing with Monaco.” In a position where the staff is still in the dark, in particular because of the thorny Thomas Heurtel file and the difficulties of some in the NBA (Hayes, Ntilikina, Malédon), Strazel’s performances do not go unnoticed. “I’m not looking for Tony Parker,” said Collet about the leader’s project. That’s good, because the successor to “TP” does not exist. Defense and the ability to fuel the infernal towers that will be Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert this summer, that’s all we ask.
“Players scored points, of course, but I’m not going to say who,” smiled coach Collet after Bosnia. We’re not taking too much of a risk by saying that Andrew Albicy is one of them. Already valuable against Croatia (8 pts, 4 wt, 2 int), the former PL and BCM leader did even better in Tuzla. His stat line? 1 point at 0/2, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 interceptions. Nothing impressive at first glance. The most telling number is his /-: 11, the second of the French team in Bosnia behind Vincent Poirier (17). Captain for this gathering, Albicy notably gave Musa a bad time on the ball climbs.
Not summoned for the World Cup, Albicy, 33, has “clearly” marked his territory with a view to the Olympics. “But he had already done it before this (Monday) evening. It’s a confirmation. Because beyond the raw, defensive performance, it is self-sacrifice. This is what we absolutely want to bring back. This state of mind where everyone plays, gives for the team. This evening, Andrew symbolized it to the highest degree,” greets Vincent Collet, emphasizing that his leader “proved decisive by giving everything” in defense. Last summer, it was his lack of centimeters (1.78m) which cost his place at Albicy, the staff having placed their trust in Frank Ntilikina (1.93m), without contract today, and Sylvain Francisco ( 1.86m), who did not take advantage of the internship to shine…
Among the other good news, there is the return of Gerschon Yabusele, absent for a long time due to injury and who assumed his executive status at this gathering. 11 points and 5 rebounds against Croatia, then 16 points and 9 rebounds in Bosnia. Taulier. Let’s see what the future holds for him in Blue, knowing that the incorporation of “Wemby” will reshuffle the cards inside. The Madrilenian held position 4 over the last three campaigns (Olympics, Euro and World Cup). One thing is certain: Collet can and will count on him. Not called up for the World Cup, Vincent Poirier has done great things, notably in Bosnia (13 pts, 8 rbs), and is applying for the last place in the 12 inside, with Mathias Lessort and Moustapha Fall. Isaïa Cordinier and Paul Lacombe had their moment in this gathering. Criticized for his behavior at Euro 2022 and not called up for the World Cup, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot made a resounding comeback against Croatia, valuable in defense and author of 15 points at 6/9 on shots (21 ).
“Everything is important, not just the performances on the pitch,” continued Vincent Collet, regarding those who scored points during this window. We lived together for eight days. We know what we need to achieve our performance. Those who participate in this project have scored points, those who do not participate have lost points (smile).” Suspense…
