Team USA-France basketball final trilogy possible in LA28
A Team USA-France basketball final trilogy is possible in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as French hoops rise, says coach Vincent Collet.
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TEAM-USA BASKETBALL FINAL TRILOGY POSSIBLE IN 2028 LA GAMES, SAYS COLLET
Furthermore, a Team USA-France basketball final trilogy remains possible.
In four years, the Americans play host by then in the 2028 LA Games.
Moreover, Collet believes the gap is getting closer between the Americans and French basketball.
This was evident in the men’s basketball final over the weekend.
Team USA defeated France in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and in Paris on Saturday after their 98-87 victory in the final.
“To be honest, (in the title game) I was expecting more and again has shown me that we could (beat the US) but you have to do the perfect game,” Collet after Saturday’s final.
“But we’re not too far. I’m sure we could do better…They dominate because they have real margin with individual talent,” he added.
On the other hand, the Americans needed clutch baskets from Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant to foil the French in Paris.
MORE MATURE WEMBY SEEN TO LEAD FRENCH CHALLENGE VS TEAM USA IN LA
Moreover, a more mature Victor Wembanyama is seen to lead the French challenge against Team USA in LA in four years.
The man also known as “Wemby” impressed on his Olympic debut on home soil.
He capped it with 26 points and seven rebounds to lead the French to a silver medal.
French veteran Nicolas Batum may have played out his last Olympics.
Expect this year’s top overall pick Zaccharie Risaher and No.2 pick Alex Sarr to help Wemby in LA.
“The US is still the best team in the world but we’re getting closer and closer,” Batum said.
“We respect them, but we’re not scared of them. We’ll just go out there and try to beat them,” he added.
Incidentally, Team USA is 36-1 at the Olympics since 2004.
The lone loss of the Americans came from France in Tokyo in pool play.
US TALENT LEVEL HIGH IN 2028 SANS JAMES, KD, DURANT BUT WEMBY MAKES WARNING
Furthermore, the US hoops talent level remains high in 2028 even if James, Durant, and Curry won’t return in LA.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum expects a bigger role in 2028 with James and Durant gone after he rode the bench twice in Paris.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Indiana Pacers swingman Tyrese Haliburton – another player who had limited minutes in Paris – expect bigger roles in LA.
Big men Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis are still capable of coming back for another Olympic ride.
Moreover, Miami’s Bam Adebayo and Phoenix guard Devin Booker are the other Paris-winning Team USA members who can return.
However, Wembanyama made a stern warning not just to Team USA but for the rest of the field four years from now.
“Nobody knows what’s going to happen, but what’s for sure is we’re growing. Basketball is growing here (France),” Wemby said.
“Nobody is going to take (this experience) from me. I’m learning and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple years,” he added.
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