Diabate can't wait to get started as Cote d'Ivoire announce preliminary squad
ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Cote d'Ivoire Basketball Federation on Tuesday announced a preliminary squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and stalwart point guard Souleyman Diabate can't wait to get started.
The Ivoirians will open a training camp on Thursday, July 11 in Abidjan with the core of the team that went 7-5 in the African Qualifiers to return to FIBA's flagship tournament for the first time since 2010
In addition to the 13 players who featured for the 'Elephants' throughout the six-window African Qualifiers, head coach Paolo Povia brought in a number of new faces including University of Nevada standout Nisre Zouzoua and Deon Thompson.
| Cote d'Ivoire's 19-player preliminary squad for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 | |||
| Charles Abouo | Baru Adjehi | Cedric-Eloi Bah | Tiegbe Bamba |
| Isaac Djibrilla Cisse | Bali Coulibaly | Jean Benoit Cyrille | Souleyman Diabate |
| Edi Landry Guy | Vafessa Fofana | Mohamed Kone | Jacques Kouassi |
| Herve Lamizana | Bryan Pamba | Amadou Sidibe | Deon Thompson |
| Fode Traore | Frejus Zerbo | Nisre Zouzoua | |
"It's a great group of guys. I am really excited to meet the team again and get started," Diabate told FIBA.basketball.
But Diabate is not the only one looking forward to carrying Cote d'Ivoire's flag.
I’m all about creating new experiences, learning new cultures and meeting great people. I traveled to the Ivory Coast and the trip was one I will never forget. I’m counting down the days until I return. 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/bzI1gy9b2n
— Deon Thompson (@DeThompson9) June 13, 2019
According to the country's Basketball Federation, the West Africans will hold a training camp in Orlando, Florida, and will play warm-up games against China-bound Spain, Italy and the Philippines.
"It's a pretty good preparation plan because we hope to make our countrymen and women proud when we head to China," the 31-year-old added.
"Playing China in the opening day will be tough. I am sure the stadium will be at full capacity, but we won't be intimidated. We have nothing to lose and we'll take our chances against the host country. It'll be the most difficult game for us. Hopefully things won't be as tough when we play Poland and Venezuela," Diabate continued.
In order to advance to the Second Round, Cote d'Ivoire will need to finish in the top two places of Group A in Beijing. If they do, they will move on to Group I in Foshan, which will include the first two teams from Group B that comprises of Nigeria, Russia, Korea and Argentina.
Diabate, who is on the books of Nancy in France's PRO B went on saying: "We kept most of the players from the African Qualifiers, coach Paolo Povia, who has been great for us, is coming back also, and I am sure young guys who are new to the team will make the most of working with him.
"I am really excited about the opportunity of playing my second World Cup, and looking at this group of players, I believe we'll make some surprises there," the 1.89m (6ft1in) point guard insisted.
FIBA
