INTERVIEW
"I think we do not realize that even French basketball players are not really aware of what has just happened." Wednesday, a few hours after the exploit of the French basketball team in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, Laurent Sciarra was still sounded. The former playmaker hailed on Europe 1 the blue outsiders who managed to land ultra-favorite Americans. "There is something to be very proud of these boys."
"You tell yourself that finally we are there, we exist"
"We are coming out of a triple Olympic champion team, reigning world champion," said Sciarra. The French "played like dogs, that's what characterizes them". The former international has particularly appreciated the performance of the pivot. "We have a big [Rudy] Gobert, and that, in a basketball team, when you have a dominant pivot as it has been, offensively, defensively, in the free-throw, to provoke faults ... I did not see a French pivot as good since Joakim Noah. "
After this victory, Laurent Sciarra also feels "relief". "For my sport, for basketball, you think that at last we are there, we exist, and these boys went to look for it so it's remarkable." Now, do not rest on its laurels. Friday, it will be time to play the semifinal. "Be careful not to get into the rug against Argentina now," warns the former playmaker.
"You think the Argentines have opened the table a bit but if they are there, it is not by chance, we will continue to dream a little bit, it's just wonderful to finally see our team of basketball at this level. " As long as it lasts.