Thomas Heurtel’s future with the French national basketball team is uncertain after he joined a Russian club, violating a signed charter, and subsequently missing the 2024 Olympics. Sandrine Gruda was left devastated by her exclusion from the Olympic roster. Jayson Tatum celebrated the Boston Celtics’ NBA championship, reflecting on his journey. Pascal Donnadieu retired after 37 years with Nanterre, while Joel Embiid faced mixed reactions for choosing the U.S. team. Victor Wembanyama impressed during the Olympics, and the French team narrowly lost to the U.S., expressing both pride and frustration. Vincent Collet is ready to embrace new challenges ahead.
Heurtel and the “Fake Charter”
What does the future hold for Thomas Heurtel’s 100th appearance in the French national team? It may never happen. The 35-year-old point guard faced exclusion from the FFBB after opting to join a Russian club amid the Ukraine conflict. This decision was met with disapproval, particularly since he had previously signed a charter prohibiting players from engaging with Russian teams. Earlier this year, Heurtel expressed his frustrations, stating, “The charter was fake. That’s why it needs to be torn up. Everyone knew (that I was going to sign in Russia)” during an interview on Skweek. Consequently, he was not selected for the 2024 Olympics, and as of now, he has transitioned from Russia to China and remains unattached to any club.
Gruda’s Heartbreak
Sandrine Gruda had envisioned her farewell at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but fate had other plans. Jean-Aimé Toupane decided not to include her in the roster for the Games, leaving her in disbelief. “I am shocked. I am suffering from the situation. It was not my plan. I wanted to be able to retire after the Games, to thank the public one last time for all these years spent. And I won’t be able to do that. Not even wear that blue jersey one last time,” she lamented to Basket Europe.
Tatum and the Celtics’ Triumph After the “Roller Coasters”
“I have a hard time realizing, I’m just trying to savor it”. Jayson Tatum was overwhelmed with joy after clinching his first NBA championship title, marking the 18th for the Boston Celtics, following their victory against Dallas. Reflecting on his seven seasons in the league, he likened his journey to “roller coasters”, stating, “I had to listen to all the nonsense that people could say about me but today, it was worth it… We won the title!”
Donnadieu’s Unbelievable Journey
After an impressive 37-year tenure with Nanterre, Pascal Donnadieu has concluded his coaching career, transitioning to become Vincent Collet’s assistant for the Olympics. “I have a bit of a hard time realizing. After, through the testimonies and the many tributes I received, I can see that a page is turning (smile)”, he remarked. Reflecting on his past, he mused, “First of all, he wouldn’t believe it, he would say it’s impossible… It’s unreal! 37 years ago, I had the ambition to say: ‘if we go to the region, it will be wonderful’. The region was the Euroleague for me now! I lived a fantastic adventure, on human and sporting levels. An incredible thing… I couldn’t have imagined such a destiny…” Donnadieu will now serve as the sports director for Nanterre while remaining close to Freddy Fauthoux’s coaching staff.
Embiid and the “Love” from the French Fans
Joel Embiid’s decision to represent the United States instead of France left many fans in Lille and Paris disappointed during the Olympics, resulting in boos throughout the Games. However, Embiid interpreted this reaction differently, stating, “Many people think it’s hate, but I say it’s love and respect,” he reflected. “If I weren’t a good basketball player, I wouldn’t have this kind of treatment. I think I’m blessed. And that’s why I interact with them, with this kind of public, this kind of thing, because I’m blessed to be here. And by the way, I’ve seen worse (smile).” Ultimately, his choice proved fruitful as he secured a gold medal.
Wembanyama Sets His Sights on the Competition
Following a remarkable journey, Vincent Collet’s French team proudly took home the Olympic silver in Bercy. This transformation highlighted both the conclusion of Nicolas Batum and Nando De Colo’s careers and the debut of Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess and saved his best offensive performance for the final against Team USA. “I am worried for our opponents in the coming years,” he declared after the final, indicating that “Wemby” and the French squad have a promising future ahead. The only lingering question is when they will truly shine.
Close to Making History for the Blues
The French team came heartbreakingly close to victory against the formidable United States squad led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the Olympic final. The match was decided by just a single point, leaving the players grappling with mixed emotions of pride and disappointment. “We received a lot of messages in which people are proud and talk to us about inspiration, love, passion. These are the values we wanted to show and share, those of our team. After, the disappointment is still there. Losing a final by one point, being so close to making history. It’s frustrating,” expressed Valériane Ayayi.
“The Right Time for a New Chapter”: Collet Moves Forward
Despite the achievement of Olympic gold, Vincent Collet is ready to turn the page for the French national team as they look ahead to future challenges.