SALT LAKE CITY (NBA) - The USA and Spain have dominated world basketball for the better part of a decade now but this successful duo may soon turn into a trio with the brilliant results achieved by France in the most recent national team competitions.

After winning their first-ever continental title at EuroBasket 2013, Les Bleus finished on the third step of the podium at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, after beating Lithuania in the Third-Place Game.

France's great campaign in Spain this past summer was achieved without the contribution of two of their mains players: San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker and Chicago Bulls big center Joakim Noah.

To fill the void created by their absence, France coach Vincent Collet called up  up-and-coming young talents Evan Fournier of the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert.

Making his senior national team debut at Spain 2014, Gobert - the former Cholet product - played his role to great effect, averaging 4.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He also had some impressive performances, including in the stunning Quarter-Final upset of hosts Spain, in which he had five points, 13 rebounds and a spectacular block on Pau Gasol.

Now starting his second NBA season, the 22-year-old has clearly built on his productive campaign with France and is averaging 5.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

A very solid shot blocker, Gobert is one of the European prospects to follow closely in the world's biggest league for the years to come.

FIBA.com caught up with Gobert to talk about the 2014-15 NBA season and the experience of playing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA: You just started your second season in the NBA. How do you feel about your performances so far?
Gobert: I feel in great shape and happy with what I have been doing on the court so far. I have been improving a lot since my first season and I am ready to show what I can do every night. I have learned a lot during my rookie season and now I feel way more mature as a player and as a man. I had to adapt to a new way of life, a new routine and to the pace of the NBA game. Now, I am very comfortable with the team and in this league. I know that I can make it in the NBA and have a bright future.

FIBA: The Jazz have five wins and 10 losses. What do you think about how the team has started the season?
Gobert: We haven't been winning a lot of games so far, but I think that we have been improving a lot in the last few months. Our roster is very young and we are working with a new coach, so we are still trying to find a better chemistry. The most important thing for us now is to be consistent game after game. I am very confident about our future because our roster has plenty of talented players, such as Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and Trey Burke for example. We are going to be a very competitive team soon.

I've always wanted to wear the national team jersey and take part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup - Gobert

FIBA: Over the summer you played your first international competition at senior level by taking part at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. What did you take away from that?
Gobert: It was a great experience. You learn a lot and improve even more by playing against the best teams and players of the World. I helped my country win a medal so I couldn't have a better start to my senior national team career. I can't wait to participate in the next international tournaments with France.

FIBA: You had a great performance against Spain in the Quarter-Final. What do you remember from that game?
Gobert: I remember everything from that game. The days before the game, the warm-up, the fans booing us but also how my teammates and I were in the locker room before going out on the court. It was intense. We got inside the court full of motivation and ready to give our best. We had an incredible game and I played at a very high level against some of the best big men of the world. I was so full of confidence and when the game ended, we were so happy with the performance we made. I will never forget that game. 

FIBA: Despite being without Tony Parker and Joakim Noah, France finished third. What do you think that result says about the team?
Gobert: A lot of people thought that we would not be able to get a medal without them but we showed that we have a very large and talented roster. Everybody played very well and we showed a strong team spirit that helped us reach the third place. I think we deserved to win a medal. We proved that we are one of the best national teams of the world.

FIBA