By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague champion with Olympiacos, a 12-year NBA career, and two silver Olympic medals in Tokyo and Paris could have been enough for Evan Fournier to call it a day, at least with the French national team.
However, as he admitted to the French newspaper “L’Equipe”, Victor Wembanyama gives him extra motivation to wear the jersey of “les Bleus”.
“He’s a global megastar, but on a daily basis, he is also a great guy, focused on others, who really wants to perform”, Fournier said about the new captain of the French national team. “The fact that he’s there, I’m not going to lie, has been a motivation for me to continue.”
“Seeing a kid who wants to achieve things and puts in the effort is inspiring… I don’t want to come just for the sake of coming,” the 33-year-old guard admits as France is on the path to a relaxed qualification to the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027.
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Fournier, who for many years was a leader in the French national team, knows, of course, that it’s time for the new generation to take charge, and as he admits in his new role: “I can be the player who makes sure everything is in order.”
Having said that, Fournier still has more than enough gas in the tank, as the EuroLeague Final Four MVP of 2026.
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