A last life-size test… failed. A few days before the start of the Euro – September 1 against the German host – Vincent Collet’s players concluded their preparation by losing in Bosnia (96-90 a.2p.), this Saturday in the Mirza Delibasic Hall of incandescent Sarajevo, during a qualifying match for the 2023 World Cup. A result which does not call into question their presence in Southeast Asia next year but which is not ideal before starting a Euro more raised and undecided than ever. Especially since the French will find Bosnia on their way from September 6th.
What you must remember
It is a recurring evil. But for the moment, it had turned out to be inconsequential. This time, against Bosnia, that was not the case. Since the start of summer preparation, the Blues have often missed their start to the match. As if the players were physically on the pitch but their talents and motivation remained in the locker room. The latest example dates back to just a few days, last Wednesday, against the Czech Republic in a qualifying match for the World Cup where they were led 18-27 before overturning everything in their path and winning 95-60. A bad habit that had provoked a rant from coach Vincent Collet who had hinted that he could modify his five major against Bosnia.
Finally the coach with 6 international medals decided to renew his confidence at the same 5 with Thomas Heurtel at the lead, Evan Fournier at the back, Timothée Luwawu-Cabarrot at the wing, Guerschon Yabusele as a strong winger and Rudy Gobert at the pivot . Result, France drinks the cup from the start. Violently ! It is down 24-6 after 7 minutes. Nothing works. The Blues multiply bad choices, are distressingly clumsy and lack intensity in defense.
The returns of Terry Tarpey, Andrew Albicy – back in the group after several weeks of absence to treat his thigh – and an address found intermittently relaunch the Blues. A second quarter won 10 to 32 allows Rudy Gobert’s partners to return to the lead before returning to the locker room. We then think we are witnessing a scenario seen and reviewed during the last outings with Tricolores who impose their physical power on their opponent and play their game.
But the advantage disappears during a catastrophic 3rd quarter where the Blues take a scathing 20-0 (29-51, 22nd then 59-51, 30). Carried by Jusuf Nurkic – the pivot of Portland who won his direct duel against Gobert -, Bosnia corrects the Olympic vice-champion and seems to be heading for success (76-71, 38th). A crazy end to the match, a last stand from the French and a furious dunk from Fournier allowed the Blues to snatch an unexpected extension a few seconds earlier. It will finally take two for Bosnia to win the epic duel (96-90 a.2p.).
A result without consequence in the race for qualification for the World Cup. The French (2nd in their group) keep a safety margin on their pursuers before the next windows. But this defeat is a very bad signal sent before the start of the Euro. The Blues, who seemed particularly blunt, will have to find a little freshness if they want to hope to glean a new medal during the continental competition.
At the state: 1
Since the beginning of their opposition in 1993 – shortly after the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1992 – France had never lost a match against Bosnia. Until this Saturday, the Blues remained on 9 successes. They will try to return to success against this opponent on September 6 during the Euro.
Player: Terry Tarpey
He does not play in the NBA, or even in the Euroleague. He is perhaps the most misunderstood – and underestimated – player of the Blues. But since the start of the French team’s summer preparation, Terry Tarpey, the back of Le Mans, has become indispensable. There is a match without him on the floor – and that’s not a good sign for France – and with him. At 28, the Franco-American born in Poissy when his father – himself a professional player – played there, once again led the rebellion of the French. He was the man of the revolt in the 2nd quarter. If he could not prevent the defeat, his place for the Euro seems very warm. Vincent Collet has until Wednesday to deliver the list of his 12 players for the event.