With 6 points, 2 assists and 4 stray balls, Moustapha Fall did not obtain the final evaluation to match his physical investment in this match against Venezuela.
A passer hailed by coach Vincent Collet, the pivot of Olympiakos, whose land now bears the name in Neuilly sur Marne, was simply not successful on Monday evening. But we can be sure that his opponents will feel his presence at the low post in the games to come…
Moustapha, you insisted a lot inside against Venezuela, is this a strategy that we will have to review later at the World Cup?
“We’re more athletic than most teams, so we really try to wear them down. In general, it starts to pay off in the second half, and then we can make a difference. Of course we try to impact our opponents inside as much as possible. »
We could see that the players were making more passes, we have the feeling that the ball is moving more and better, do you confirm this impression?
” Yes I see it. The team is more balanced. There are returning executive players too. There are players who have improved, others who were injured and who are no longer injured. It helps the group a lot to grow. We hope to be able to offer better basketball than in the past. »
You will face Lithuania this Wednesday (and Friday), how do you approach this match against a high caliber team, a potential rival for the world podium?
“They’re an elite European team, so it’s bound to be a good test for us. To see where we stand now. But we must not forget either that they too are in preparation. We will just try to work, focus on our game and see what will happen. »
With Jonas Valanciunas and Donatas Motiejunas in particular, you will have a lot to do in the interior sector…
“We still played against [Nikola] Vucevic, who is not a painter either! But yes, Lithuania has a rather well supplied domestic sector. That said, it’s still a team sport. We are not going to focus only on them, they have very good exteriors too. They know how to play basketball well, they know how to share the ball. We will have to be vigilant in all aspects of the game.”
You were able to apply the work done this week in training on zone defense, do you feel that things are going in the right direction?
“It’s still in the works. The zone requires a lot, a lot of communication. And we don’t have that much time! It also helps us on individual defense to be able to communicate, to pass the players and to stay united together. It will be a strong point for us. »
Isn’t it hard for you to have to get out wide of the key, on the outside shooters in this zone defense setup?
” We adapt. You have to know how to adapt to different systems, different demands, different coaches. That’s how basketball is, that’s what we’re here for. »
Interview in Orléans
Photo credit : Lenoir/TheAgency/FFBB
