France will have the opportunity to win their first ever gold medal in men’s basketball. That task will not be an easy one, as they will take on a loaded Team USA on Saturday. USA nearly stumbled before turning it on late in their semifinals win over Serbia on Thursday.
During their men’s basketball history at the Olympics, France has earned three silver medals. They came in 1948, 2000, and the 2020 Tokyo Games (took place in 2021). It would be a wonderful feeling to receive their first gold medal in their home country during the Paris Games.
France Attempting To Win First Gold Medal In Men’s Basketball
France Lost Once But Have Still Reached Gold Medal Game
It has not been a flawless run for France in this year’s Summer Olympics. After winning their first two games in pool play, they lost to Germany by the score of 85-71. In the game prior to the loss, it took overtime for them to prevail over Japan. Their 2-1 record in pool play still allowed them to advance to the final eight.
In the quarterfinals, France took care of business in an 82-73 victory over Canada. The French jumped out to a 23-10 lead after one quarter and never looked back. They were then able to avenge their one loss in the Olympics. Playing Germany again, France prevailed in a tight 73-69 win. Former Boston Celtics player Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points.
That sets France up with a rematch from the Tokyo Olympics gold medal game in men’s basketball.
Looking To Avenge Another Loss
In 2021, France took on USA in the gold medal game in men’s basketball. The thrilling affair remained entertaining throughout, but in the end, USA pulled out the 87-82 win. It was the fourth straight gold medal in men’s basketball for USA at the Olympics.
What that France team didn’t have then that they have now is superstar big man Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old wunderkind is the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, which he won unanimously playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama has led France across the board with his averages during the Olympics of 13.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks.
That doesn’t mean it has been a one-man show for the European nation en route to the gold medal game. Three other players have averaged at least 10.2 points (Yabusele 12.8, Isaia Cordinier 10.6, Evan Fournier 10.2).
While Wembanyana was not a part of the Tokyo Olympics experience, many on France’s current roster also played in the gold medal game in Tokyo. Seven of the 12 players at the Paris Olympics for France were on the roster for Tokyo as well. For Team USA, five players have been on the roster for each of the last two Olympics. They are Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, and Jrue Holiday.
Despite Team USA needing a large comeback over Serbia to get to the gold medal game, many expect them to deny France their first taste of gold. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Team USA are substantial favorites of 16.5 points over France as of this writing.
