Guy Edi set to boost Cote d'Ivoire in 3rd window of Qualifiers

ABIDJAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Five years on, and one of Cote d'Ivoire's finest talents is set to return to his national team.

Guy Landry Edi last featured for the "Elephants" at FIBA AfroBasket 2013, a tournament held in the Ivorian city of Abidjan.

So, when the Ivorian Basketball Federation last week announced a preliminary squad for this month's FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers, Edi's name stood out among the 16 preselected players.

"WE HAVE A GROUP OF YOUNG TALENTED GUYS THAT PLAY AT A GOOD LEVEL IN EUROPE. NOW WE HAVE TO BECOME A TEAM TO ALL ACCOMPLISH OUR COMMON GOAL WHICH IS TO GO TO THE WORLD CUP IN CHINA NEXT SUMMER."Edi

 Cote d'Ivoire currently sit fourth place in Group D of the African Qualifiers, which includes Senegal, Mozambique and the Central African Republic.

Meanwhile, in the build-up to the second-leg of Group D in Dakar (June 29 - July 1), which will determine the three teams advancing to the 12-team Second Round of the African Qualifiers, Edi revealed to FIBA.basketball that this is a time to put Cote d'Ivoire where they believe they belong.

"This is a great opportunity for us to get on top of our group," the 6ft6in (1.98m) forward said.

Edi, who last season played for Nantes Basket in France's second tier PRO B, insists that they "will fight to be in a great position to qualify  for China 2019."

Guy Edi in action at FIBA AfroBasket 2013

The former Gonzaga University standout knows better than most the significance and importance of the World Cup Qualifier.

After all, it was in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2010 in Turkey where Edi made his major appearance for Cote d'Ivoire. 

In that tournament eight years ago, Edi led Cote d'Ivoire in scoring with 10 points per game, and although the West Africans lost four of their five games, he  feels they must have a second shot at the World Cup.

"When I look back and I realize that it was a great experience and opportunity to play in that tournament. And the charge to get back there isn’t easy, and this time I really want to take this young group with great talents to experience what I did in 2010," he recalled.

But, Cote d'Ivoire have some work to do. Back in February, they fell to hosts Mozambique in the opener of the first-leg of Group D, but they fought back, upsetting Group D favorites Senegal on Day 2.

What's next for Paolo Povia's men?

"I don’t really know much about the other countries besides the Central African Republic  because they have few players that I know and who are playing in France," Edi explained, adding: "Like we all saw, everyone is dangerous and we have to go there hungry and determined and not taking anyone for granted."

With two African Championships and a FIBA World Cup under his belt, Edi still has the passion to wear the white-and-orange Cote d'Ivoire uniform.

FIBA