SANTA FE (FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018) - The Three Musketeers of the Guard were historical heroes in France in the 17th century. Fast forward about 400 years and France are experiencing a new trio of guards acting as heroes at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018.

Replacing Athos, Porthos and Aramis of the Three Musketeers in Argentina are Malcolm Cazalon, Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon, who have guided France to their first Semi-Final in the U17 World Cup history and with it one victory from reaching its first podium - with Puerto Rico standing in the way.

"It means a lot," the French captain Maledon said about reaching the top four. "We have made history for the French national team, we are very proud and want more."

About France's Quarter-Final win over Turkey, Hayes offered: "It means a lot, but we have to focus on the next game."

Cazalon, meanwhile, was less reserved than his two teammates and added: "Our only goal is to go to the Final and beat United States and we're going to do it. Nobody ever did it."

The swashbuckling Musketeers were known for their daringness, acrobatics, boldness and flamboyance. That description certainly fits the French big three. Cazalon, Hayes and Maledon combined to score 74 points in France’s 86-70 win over Turkey.

All three have been all over the court throughout France's five wins in Argentina. Cazalon is averaging a team-high 17.8 points to go with 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.0 assists. Hayes is collecting 16.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 1.2 blocks. And Maledon is "chipping in" 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals.

"They are friends off the court, so it's a trio who know each other. They bring this winning spirit to the team," France coach Lamine Kebe said of his powerful trio.

"I think it's a big three," Maledon said. "We really enjoy playing together, there's always a threat on the court. If Killian and Malcolm are playing, I can play too, so everybody can play (on the floor together). It’s very good for us and for the team."

Hayes' answer as to what makes them so good: "We play with a lot of intensity. We all have talent and we all play together."

Argentina is the first time that the trio is playing together for France - after Cazalon missed the FIBA U16 European Championship 2017 with a knee injury. He was forced to watch from home as France won their first U16 European crown since 2014.

"I was sad about not playing but the guys made me happy with the trophy," Cazalon said.

"THEY ARE FRIENDS OFF THE COURT, SO IT'S A TRIO WHO KNOW EACH OTHER. THEY BRING THIS WINNING SPIRIT TO THE TEAM."Kebe

France were already a force to be reckoned with last summer at the U16 European level without Cazalon and now they are an even bigger menace to opponents with the athletic high-flyer on board.

"He brings us a lot of energy. He's always running the break. He is always talking to the other team and getting in their heads. He gives us a lot of hype," Hayes said of Cazalon.

"He gives us a new threat on the court," Maledon said of his fellow Musketeer Cazalon. "He can score very easily, so it helps us a lot. Last year we had games where we struggled scoring, now with Malcolm, it’s a lot easier."

Cazalon also brings a different element to the France group - namely an outward-going and flamboyant personality among the leaders to serve as kind of an equalizer to the very poised but reserved and quiet Hayes and Maledon.

"At the end of the game, we're up by 20 and he's still trying to play fast. We're trying to calm it down," Hayes said when asked about Cazalon’s almost wild character.

Cazalon said the team needs a little bit of that - a bit of swagger to say for example that France would "destroy" Montenegro had they faced them in the Semi-Finals - something neither Hayes nor Maledon would say to media.

"You need both," Cazalon smiled. "The fact that I am this way is good for the team."

France have been waiting nearly 400 years for a new group of Three Musketeers. Now they have them with Cazalon, Hayes and Maledon.

FIBA