CRETE (FIBA U20 European Championship 2017) - Watching France in full flow is a thing of beauty. Rangy and athletic with a healthy dose of panache, France are pleasing on the eye. This was certainly the case in their convincing victory over Turkey on Day 3 to clinch Group B.

Granted, Turkey appeared slightly rattled trying to ease weary star Furkan Korkmaz into their lineup but a rampaging France produced a highlight reel befitting of an All-Star Game. It was the type of explosive performance that would have caught the attention of other teams. France just might be the most innately talented team in the FIBA U20 European Championship but it has taken time for their talents to mesh.

In their opening two games against Iceland and Montenegro, France were erratic and struggled to clink into gear. They were fortunate to have escaped with a pair of victories, especially in an overtime thriller against Montenegro.

However, their dazzling turn against Turkey was the tonic they needed to legitimize their standing as a tournament favorite. Boasting an athletic and sizeable frontcourt, France cause nightmare matchups for opponents with their slew of versatile big men able to switch and guard multiple positions.

Power forward Amine Noua - averaging 10.7 points and 8 rebounds per game - is burly and mobile, providing strength in the interior, while the electrifying Darel Poirier plays above the rim to be undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the tournament.

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However, Elhadji-Digue Diawara is the player set to have a breakout tournament even though he has been seen on the big stage previously including in the Basketball Champions League for Asvel Lyon Villeurbanne. Quite obviously, the 18-year-old is extremely raw but his skillset is fascinating.

Mimicking his idol Kevin Durant, the NBA Finals MVP, Diawara is an all-round player who has the potential to do almost everything on the court. Like Durant, Diawara - standing 6ft 8in (2.04m) - is long and lanky but extremely coordinated and has showcased promising ball handling skills plus an ability to shoot from long range.

Against Turkey, Diawara's mesmerizing talents memorably materialized with a dominant performance of 14 points, including 2-of-2 from downtown, and 13 rebounds. If Diawara can keep playing at that level, France might be able to end their drought and win the FIBA U20 European Championship crown for the first time since 2010.

Diawara says his goal is to keep getting better as a versatile player. "I try to be effective for the team and aggressive," he says. "My ball handling and shooting are things I want to improve. I want to be better on both sides of the ball, I can be effective on both ends of the court."

Other than the physical similarities, Diawara says he loves Durant's complete game. "I want to be like KD because he can do everything," he says. "It would be a dream to play in the NBA."

After finishing the Group Phase unbeaten, France will play the Czech Republic in the Group of 16 stage on Day 5. Diawara believes France can be a formidable force if they are locked in. "When we play together and pass the ball, we can do some great things," he says. "We are athletic, fast and can switch. We played a great game against Turkey and hopefully we can continue playing like that."

FIBA