France gives its list, without Wembanyama but with Rupert

The selection of France The basketball team continues to adjust its pieces for the next two qualifying matches for the 2027 World Cup that will be played in the month of July. The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) announced this Sunday that point guard Franck Ntilikina will not be able to participate in the team’s concentration that starts this Monday in Paul due to physical problems detected in the relevant medical examinations. To fill his position, the coaching staff has called for the first time outsider Rayan Rupert, a Memphis player. Grizzlies.

Within the carousel of novelties presented by the French list, the absence of Victor stands out especially Wembanyama. The loss of the young star of the San Antonio Spurs had already been confirmed in advance, conditioned by the competitive calendar of the NBAonce the Texan franchise managed to reach the Conference finals Westwhich significantly extended his season and physical load in the United States.

The one of Ntilikina It is not the only absence due to medical prescription that the French coach has had to manage in the initial list. The casualties of center Alexandre were previously confirmed Sarr (Washington Wizards), who was replaced by Neal Sako (Valencia Basket), and guard Evan Fournierwhose place in the group was taken by Gérald Ayayi (Cholet).

The substitute for NtilikinaRayan Rupert (22 years old), has earned this opportunity after completing a solid final stretch of the season in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. In his last 16 games in the North American league, the guard-forward averaged 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, earning the trust of his coaching staff and, now, his first call with the French senior team.

France, which has already qualified for the next round with a record of three wins and one loss, will face Belgium on July 3 in Antwerp and, three days later, he will receive Finland in Paul. The goal of the French team is to add two wins that will allow them to face the main round of the qualifier in a privileged position.

Bases and escorts: Gérald Ayayi (Cholet), Sylvain Francisco (Zalgiris Kaunas), Nadir Hifi (Paris), Adam Mokoka (Bourg-en-Bresse), Rayan Rupert (Memphis Grizzlies), Elie Okobo (Monaco), Matthew Strazel (Monaco) (3).

Eaves: Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Timothée Luwawu-Cabarrot (Baskonia) (3).

Interiors: Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jaylen Hoard (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Amine Noua (Aris Thessaloniki), Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings), Neal Sako (Valencia Basket), Guerschon Yabusele (captain, Chicago Bulls).