France has fielded competitive basketball teams for years and it will be no different in Spain at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Tony Parker won't be there as their leading point guard, but there's still plenty of veteran talent, along with a few up-and-comers, that should make France a dangerous team through the tournament.
FIBA World Cup 2014 preview: France still dangerous without Tony Parker
France won’t have their leading man and several other key parts, but the 2013 Eurobasket champions still have plenty of talent in Spain.
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Parker, the 2013 EuroBasket Most Valuable Player, punched France's ticket to the World Cup by landing the country its first international title. Without him, Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw will have to guide France through a tough Group A that also features Brazil and Spain.
France has a talented and experienced roster and likely will be able to advance out of group play, though. Rudy Gobert should provide solid minutes in their frontcourt rotation, giving France size to match up with size throughout the World Cup. Antoine Diot will fill in as the starting point guard, a position France will have to adjust without Parker.
How they got here
Parker and France were crowned champions at EuroBasket 2013, the country’s first title. France survived an overtime thriller against Spain in the semifinals before going on to defeat Lithuania in a landslide.
The title guaranteed France a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Key players
2014 FIBA World Cup
Nicolas Batum: The veteran wing will be relied on to lead France's perimeter defense and carry more of the scoring load. Look for Batum to handle the ball more without Parker on the roster. He averaged a career-high 5.1 assists per game with the Portland Trail Blazers last season.
Boris Diaw: Diaw is fresh off of a championship season with the San Antonio Spurs and proved to be a huge factor through their playoff run. His versatility and playmaking ability will be key, as France won't have Parker to create opportunities.
Rudy Gobert: The 7'1 center is going to be an important player for France for years, and he'll have an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage. Gobert had a great Summer League for the Utah Jazz, averaging 11.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
Evan Fournier: Gobert may become the new face of France's frontcourt, but Fournier could become the leader of the team's backcourt in time. The 21-year-old shooting guard will be expected to be a three-point specialist for France.
Medal chances
With Parker, France would have been a serious threat to the United States’ hopes of finishing with the gold medal. Without him, there’s still an opportunity to medal, but it would be a surprise if they were to upset either Team USA or Spain.
France certainly has skilled wings and size on the inside with Diaw, Ian Mahinmi and Gobert. The development of the 21-year-old Fournier could be a key for France on the wing. If he’s able to provide shooting around Batum’s more versatile game, France will be a tough opponent no matter who they play. Point guard is an obvious weakness without Parker or Nando De Colo, meaning the pressure will be on Diot.
Schedule
Group A
Aug. 30 vs. Brazil
Aug. 31 vs. Serbia
Sept. 1 vs. Egypt
Sept. 3 vs. Spain
Sept. 4 vs. Iran
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