NANCY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers have once again shown to be a proving ground for a number of inexperienced players looking for their chance to shine with the national team - just like the hungry pair of Paul Lacombe and Hugo Invernizzi for France.

Lacombe made his senior national team debut in the November window and built on that success by playing a key role in France's February window victories over Russia and Belgium.

The 27-year-old AS Monaco small forward collected 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks in last Friday's 75-74 overtime defeat of Russia before contributing 8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals in Sunday's 64-49 win over Belgium that saw France improve to 4-0 in Group E to book their ticket to the second group of Qualifiers.

When asked if, months ago, he could have imagined wearing the France jersey, Lacombe told L'Equipe: "No, and even less so these last few years even though I was progressing. When you think about the backcourt we can have, the big names like [Nando] De Colo, [Evan] Fournier, [Edwin] Jackson, [Fabien] Causeur, [Rodrigue] Beaubois, [Antoine] Diot and I forget some. These windows during the season are a benediction for me."

Lacombe also said he could not have imagined playing such a major role, averaging 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals through the November and February windows.

"No it would be silly to think that. A mistake even," Lacombe said. "I shouldn't put any pressure on myself or give myself a role that isn't mine."

"THESE WINDOWS DURING THE SEASON ARE A BENEDICTION FOR ME" LacombeLacombe

Lacombe understands he is kind of a placeholder for France's top players.

"At my club, my jersey number is 6. But it's also that of Antoine Diot and therefore it's not available. So I took 90 which is my year of birth. Number 9, that of Tony Parker, will be retired. It's a continuity - the jersey belongs to a player and it's also a way to give responsibilities to everyone, make them accountable," Lacombe said. "Those that aren't with the team right now will get their jersey back and that's normal. They've won medals and it's not their fault that they're absent."

But what about the desire to play at China 2019?

"Being here is already a reward, it's so unexpected," Lacombe said. "It's their team, we're here to bail them out."

But Lacombe did admit: "I'd be happy if I could have a small place in the team that will play in June-July. But I'm not even looking that far."