Vincent van Bamberg has been appointed captain of the French men's basketball team and will lead the team in the World Cup qualifiers.

August 20th - According to ESPN , the French men's basketball team has officially appointed Victor Wenbanama as team captain. He will lead the French team in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers.

22- year-old Viktor Axelsen previously played a key role in the French national team. France will play two friendly matches against Serbia this week, followed by a European qualifying campaign against Slovenia on August 27th , and then a match against Sweden on August 30th .

According to FIBA, Wimbanyama stated: " Being a captain first and foremost means leading by example, demonstrating leadership on the court, understanding the team's tactics and the opponent, and remaining calm. "

He added: “ This international break is a great opportunity for me to start a new chapter as captain with the coaching staff. This may be earlier than I expected, and it may be earlier than others expected, but it's not rushed. I feel very honored and excited. Before France coach Frédéric Fotou told me, I didn't really think I would become captain, but it's a great honor for me. ”

Vincent van Bassam last represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the French men's basketball team won the silver medal. He averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game at the Olympics.

In the past NBA season, Wabanjama further developed, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award unanimously for the first time and finishing third in the MVP voting, averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, helping the Spurs reach the NBA Finals.

Image source: Internet