France coach looks forward to tussle with Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Before the French National Team flew out of Paris Orly Airport bound for Manila, head coach Vincent Collet in a press conference, explained his line-up and the challenges his team faces.

 

On the non-inclusion of New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca

He was shocked by what happened and was not as comfortable as I expect all the players are. This is done by making sure that the team most corresponds to the objective that was set. At mobility, facing some teams, including the Philippines, Alexis Ajinça ??would have been in trouble. On the contrary, against Turkey, the size of Erden Asik or may be a concern. For now our best sequences were performed with Boris Diaw to pivot and Joffrey Lauvergne remains the most profitable player on the post.

 

On his team not being 100% healthy

Antoine Diot is still injured and we uncertain as to his presence at the first training in Manila. Mickael Gelabale is just back and we kept a place for Nicolas Batum. It is prudence to include Edwin Jackson and this will eventually help us deal with a more serious problem since the group of 12 can be changed until the day before the TQO. Yesterday, I congratulated Edwin front of the players. He immediately agreed to continue with us to help.

 

On the new additions

Adrien Moerman started very well preparation. Kim Tillie really turned a corner. I had the opportunity to see much with Vitoria and he learned a lot with Velimir Perasovi?. It's interesting for now and for the future.

 

On the Philippines

We start this Wednesday. The doctors insisted on having sufficient time to adapt to the time zone. Our determination will make the difference and this point of view I'm pretty happy. We must be efficient and focused during the working sessions. Although we will not be fully ready, it will be not the case of our opponents. Playing the host team is a good thing because we will immediately get into the thick of it. The team that I fear most is still Canada. She is young, evolving with Cory Joseph, Tristan Thomson or Anthony Bennett (editor’s note, Bennett isn’t playing). There is no room for error, you have to win every match.

 

On these games possibly being Tony Parker’s last in a French uniform

A giant prepares to bow out. And Rio must be its ultimate destination.