Lacombe dreams of getting his chance with France in World Cup Qualifiers

STRASBOURG (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Strasbourg guard Paul Lacombe wants to play for France when the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers tip off in November.

The 27-year-old was a member of France's youth teams from 2008 to 2010 but has yet to get a chance with the senior side.

"I've been playing basketball for 20 years and I've always dreamed of wearing that jersey and I've never had the opportunity," he said in an interview with L'Equipe. "I'm one of thousands of guys who'd like to wear that jersey."

Lacombe (No.8), who helped France win the FIBA U20 European Championship in 2010, wants his senior team chance

It's easy to see why Lacombe's path to the senior side has been blocked. There are a lot of good players in France, many that play the game in the NBA. He may have a better shot of donning the national team shirt in the first couple of China 2019 European Qualifiers windows, in November and February, when the national team will not count on players based in the NBA.

"I'VE BEEN PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR 20 YEARS AND I'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF WEARING THAT JERSEY AND I'VE NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY." LacombeLacombe

The NBA players will be available for the June/July and September windows in 2018.

Lacombe says France, who were without NBA players Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, were lacking in a very important area in their campaign which finished with a Round of 16 defeat to Germany.

"It was missing a defensive intensity because there was a lot of offensive talent," he said. "And it's a shame because they deserved so much to chase after a medal in order to show some that it could be done without them (Gobert and Batum).

"Unfortunately they failed. Everyone (on the team) is going to be criticized and have the finger pointed at him, starting with Nando (De Colo). He takes a lot but he's one hell of a player."

De Colo did not show the same excellent form which had seen him earn a place on the All-Star Five at FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

The absence of Charles Kahudi was also felt. He will stand a good chance of being in the France team when it plays in the November window.

Lacombe says Charles Kahudi would bring toughness to the French squad

"A player like Charles would have done the team a lot of good," Lacombe said. "But I completely understand his decision (of missing out) because the (2016) Olympics damaged his season with ASVEL.

"This year, he would have been great. As far as toughness, physicality, defensively, there would have been a need of someone like him. It's a shame - for him and for France."

FIBA