The young French teams continue to shine on the international scene since after the silver medal obtained at the U19 World Cup, it was the U20s who distinguished themselves by triumphing at the Euro U20 in Greece, winning their seventh victory in seven games in the final against Israel (89-79).
The French had to go through extra time after leading the score throughout the second half (72-72). MVP of the tournament, Ilias Kamardine (23 points, 7 assists, 3 blocks) then delivered his team with two assists for an alley-oop then a 3-point from Maxime Raynaud (26 points, 5 rebounds) before continuing two missiles behind the arc.
A prosperous summer for Les Bleuets
The France team finished as the best attack in the Euros, the most skilful team, and they are also the best in assists and interceptions. She succeeds the generation of Andrew Albicy, Nicolas Lang and Paul Lacombe, who won the Euro U20 in 2010.
“The enthusiasm and mastery with which these young boys approached this competition are remarkable”said the president of the FFBB, Jean-Pierre Siutat. “I extend my congratulations to the technical staff, led by Guillaume Vizade, for the work carried out during the preparation, then in Heraklion. French basketball continues to invest in its youth to prepare for the future and this gold medal is a reward for the efforts made by our training structures”.
Composition of the France U20 team, European champions
Adama Bal, Armel Traore, Kenny Kasiama, Maxime Raynaud, Lucas Dufeal, Hugo Mienandi, Ilias Kamardine, Ugo Doumbia, Maxime Sconard, Matheo Leray, Nathan De Sousa and Noah Bolanga
