Gobert: ''My goal is to be at the World Cup''

MINNEAPOLIS (USA) - France center Rudy Gobert has finished third at the last two FIBA Basketball World Cups, and at the Olympics in Tokyo, he made it to the Gold Medal Game.

Had it not been for an unstoppable Kevin Durant pouring in 29 points to lead the USA to a 87-82 win, Gobert very well could have captured his first gold with the national team.

The USA avenged their opening day defeat to France and Gobert with a win in the Gold Medal Game

France settled for a silver medal, however, just as they did one year later, at FIBA EuroBasket 2022.

Fast forward to 2023 and Gobert is already thinking about the next challenge with the national team.

He's envisioning French glory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“My goal is to be present at the World Cup," he said to L'Equipe. "It depends on the season, my health."

Gobert, an automatic selection for France, made the All-Star Five after their 6-3 campaign at EuroBasket 2022.

Yet the experience wasn't as sweet as it could have been because Gobert once again did not win the title.

Championships have so far proved elusive.

At 30, he has plenty of time to get a title with France. They will be a contender at the World Cup, which will be played in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

Gobert, in his first year in Minnesota after spending the first part of his career with the Utah Jazz, averaged 12.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks at the EuroBasket. He had double-doubles in points and rebounds on four occasions, including a monumental, game-saving effort against Turkey in the Round of 16 when he poured in 20 points and corralled 17 rebounds.

It was a very good EuroBasket for Gobert.

What sticks in the crawl for French fans is that last year seemed like the country's best chance to win the EuroBasket crown for the first time since 2013, the year before Gobert joined the team.

At least it seemed like their best chance once France got to the Final against Spain, who went into the tournament with modest expectations since only one member of their golden generation, Rudy Fernandez, remained.

Yet France had a poor start in the title game and never recovered, leading to a 88-76 defeat. Gobert attempted just two shots from the floor and had six points, six rebounds, two blocks and three turnovers.

Spain prevented Gobert from getting on track against them in the EuroBasket 2022 Final

"I would not say the the EuroBasketball Final haunts me, because living in regrets prevents you from moving forward," he said.

"But I know I was not the best version of myself. I wish I could have done better."

When the French won against USA Basketball in the Quarter-Finals of the 2019 World Cup in China, Gobert was then in vintage form.

"I love representing my country and winning with this team."

FIBA