By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
France is set to continue the EuroBasket 2025 campaign without Alex Sarr.
The French Federation of Basketball, FFBB, officially confirmed the unavailability of the 20-year-old center for the remainder of the international tournament.
The Washington Wizards player in the NBA was hurt during Round 2, in a matchup against Slovenia and Luka Doncic. The calf injury was not initially considered serious. After staying on the court and logging 22 minutes on Saturday, Sarr sat out the bottom end of a back-to-back and a meeting with Israel in Katowice’s Spodek Arena on Sunday.
Following further medical evaluation, the first appearance for the native of Bordeaux at the senior level with France was cut short. Over two appearances, he tallied 9.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 assists per contest.
Sarr is projected to be sidelined for several weeks, making him questionable for the top of the NBA Preseason 2025, at the start of his second season with the Wizards, after being selected second in the 2024 draft.
Adjustments for France
The situation at the center position worsens for France, with Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Mathias Lessort, Moustapha Fall, and Vincent Poirier all ruled out before EuroBasket, and Moussa Diabate refusing a late call-up to return to Les Bleus.
Reviewing the 12-player squad, Mouhammadou Jaiteh is the only center remaining available for head coach Frederic Fauthoux. Guerschon Yabusele is likely to log more playing time at the five position, alongside possible adjustments for more players, including Zaccharie Risacher and Jaylen Hoard.
Photo Credit: FIBA