Guerschon Yabusele opened up about the challenging dynamics within the French national basketball team during the lead-up to their quarter-final match against Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He revealed that both the coaching staff and some federation members had lost faith, but the players were the ones who rallied to turn their fortunes around.
Challenges Before the Quarter-Finals
Almost exactly one year ago, the French basketball team faced a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A disappointing group stage left many fans disheartened just before the crucial quarter-final showdown against the formidable Canadian team.
However, it wasn’t just the fans who were apprehensive about a quick exit. Guerschon Yabusele shared his thoughts on the negative atmosphere surrounding the players on the podcast “Roomates Show.” He recalled how the mood within the team sharply contrasted with the expectation of success.
“At that moment (before the quarter-final), the entire coaching staff and some people from the federation were convinced it was over. Everyone thought we had no chance against Canada. It was crazy; only the players believed. We joked about how the coaches were already looking for someone to blame. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Nicolas Batum and Nando de Colo did a fantastic job rallying the team and making us understand that it was up to us. Half of the group (coaches and federation members) didn’t believe in us; it was us against the world.”
Overcoming Adversity
During this tense period, Evan Fournier publicly criticized coach Vincent Collet’s game plan, calling for a more aggressive offensive strategy. This clash between the two became a major topic in the press.
Fortunately, the French team excelled in overcoming both Canada and Germany, making an unexpected run to the Olympic finals just a week later. This resurgence was fueled by the leadership of seasoned veterans and a determined “dog mentality,” according to Yabusele, who now plays as a forward for the New York Knicks.
Guerschon Yabusele now faces a new challenge with the French national team as they prepare for EuroBasket in a month. While the coaching staff and players have changed, the goal remains the same: to achieve a successful run in the tournament with a close-knit team.
Source: Roomates Show
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