Who Will Make the Final France Basketball Roster for the Upcoming Championship?

As I sit here analyzing the potential candidates for France's final basketball roster, I can't help but draw parallels to what we've just witnessed in the MPBL tournament. The incredible achievement of Abra basketball team - closing their elimination phase with a staggering 28-1 record and setting an all-time MPBL record - demonstrates exactly the kind of dominant performance France should be aiming for in the upcoming championship. Having followed international basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen how roster decisions can make or break a team's championship dreams, and France faces some particularly tough choices this time around.

The core of France's roster seems almost predetermined, with NBA veterans leading the charge. Rudy Gobert, fresh off another defensive masterclass season where he averaged 13.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, remains the defensive anchor that any championship-contending team would kill for. Alongside him, Evan Fournier brings that scoring punch that France desperately needs in clutch moments - remember his 28-point explosion against Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup? These two are what I call the "non-negotiable" selections, much like how Abra's star players were undoubtedly the foundation of their record-breaking 28-win season.

What fascinates me most about France's selection dilemma isn't the starting lineup - it's those final roster spots that could ultimately determine their championship fate. We're looking at probably 8-9 locked positions, leaving 3-4 spots that could go multiple ways. Having covered French basketball since Tony Parker's heyday, I've noticed coach Vincent Collet tends to favor experience over raw talent in major tournaments, which explains why veterans like Nicolas Batum, despite his declining NBA minutes, will likely make the cut. His versatility and leadership are what I believe every championship team needs - that glue guy who does all the little things right.

The point guard situation particularly intrigues me. With 34-year-old Thomas Heurtel likely getting the nod as primary playmaker, France faces a crucial decision about his backup. Do they go with the explosive Elie Okobo, who averaged 9.5 points and 4.1 assists in EuroLeague this season, or the steadier Sylvain Francisco? Personally, I'm leaning toward Okobo - his ability to create offense out of nothing could be the difference in tight games, similar to how Abra's bench players stepped up during their 25-game winning streak that eventually stretched to 28 victories.

Then there's the curious case of Victor Wembanyama. While everyone's talking about his NBA Rookie of the Year campaign where he put up 21.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, I'm not entirely convinced he should be an automatic starter for France just yet. Don't get me wrong - the kid's phenomenal, but international basketball operates differently. The physicality, the different defensive schemes, the shorter three-point line - these factors might make me consider bringing him off the bench initially, using him as a strategic weapon rather than throwing him into the deep end immediately.

What many analysts overlook is the chemistry factor. France's silver medal in the 2020 Olympics wasn't just about individual talent - it was about players who understood their roles perfectly. That's why I'd keep Nando De Colo, even at 36 years old. His basketball IQ remains off the charts, and in close games, you want someone who won't be rattled by pressure. This is reminiscent of how veteran leadership likely contributed to Abra's incredible 28-1 record, where experience complemented youthful energy perfectly.

The defensive specialists often get overlooked in these discussions, but they're crucial. Guerschon Yabusele brings that tough, switchable defense that's so valuable in modern basketball, while Terry Tarpey, if healthy, provides the kind of perimeter defense that can shut down opposing stars. I'd probably take both, sacrificing some offensive firepower for defensive versatility. In international tournaments, you're going to face multiple styles of play, and having these defensive specialists could be what separates France from other contenders.

Looking at the broader picture, France's depth is both a blessing and a curse. While having multiple NBA-level players provides insurance against injuries or poor form, it also means leaving talented players behind. Frank Ntilikina, despite his defensive prowess, might be the odd man out simply because France has better offensive options at guard. Similarly, the center position behind Gobert poses interesting questions - do they take both Moustapha Fall and Vincent Poirier, or just one? I'm leaning toward taking both for different matchup scenarios.

As we approach final roster decisions, what strikes me is how France's selection process mirrors the strategic planning that must have gone into Abra's historic season. Every roster spot matters, every combination needs consideration, and sometimes you have to make tough choices that might seem controversial at first. My prediction? France will ultimately prioritize experience and defensive versatility, carrying about 9 players with previous major tournament experience and 3 newer faces to inject energy and surprise elements.

The final roster will likely feature Gobert, Fournier, Batum, Heurtel, Yabusele, De Colo, Okobo, Fall, and Poirier as the core, with Wembanyama, Tarpey, and maybe Mathias Lessort filling the remaining spots. This combination gives them size, shooting, playmaking, and most importantly, multiple defensive looks they can throw at opponents. Just like Abra's record-breaking team demonstrated, success often comes from having the right mix of stars and role players who understand and embrace their responsibilities.

Ultimately, France has the talent to compete for the championship, but roster construction will determine whether they can turn potential into victory. The lessons from Abra's incredible 28-1 season are clear: dominance requires not just star power, but the right complementary pieces working in perfect harmony. As someone who's seen French basketball evolve over decades, I'm genuinely excited to see how this roster comes together and whether they can capture that championship magic that's been within their grasp for years.