By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Rudy Gobert is among the many players aiming for success in the 2019 FIBA World Cup set to take place at China between August 31st and September 15th. The Utah Jazz center talked to FIBA about his memories from the 2014 World Cup at Spain and his goals ahead of the 2019 tournament.
“I have so many good memories about this tournament” he said and picked out: “The win against Spain, the training camp to get ready for the competition, the Third-Place Game and the joy we all shared by winning this bronze medal, that was an amazing experience. Nobody expected us to have such a good run, and we did very well. Never underestimate any team in any competition!”
“We had some very good games and we reached a medal. It’s already been five years, and we want to do something great again this summer in China” he also said and added: “When you win a medal or a title with the national team, that’s such a special and amazing feeling. I want more of those.”
Discussing France’s rivals, Gobert admitted: “Australia, Canada, Lithuania and many more teams are also very ambitious, so we will have to bring our A game to get to the top spots.”
“We know Germany and a bit about the Dominican Republic, but I don’t know that much about Jordan. At that level, every team can play very well and is a dangerous opponent, so we will take every game with the same focus and determination” he explained.
“We want to have a great run, and try to fight for the top spots” he mentioned and added: “Nothing is impossible, we want to fight for the best and we would like to write another great page in France’s basketball history. The level of the competition is going to be very high, so a lot of teams can reach the top three spots.”
Gobert finally confirmed he will be part of the French National Team in the World Cup: “Yes, absolutely. It’s one of my goals for this year and I’m looking forward to competing in China this summer. There are still plenty of months before the beginning of the tournament, but I want to wear the “bleu” jersey this summer and represent my country.”