Medal-chasing France and their 'Stifle Tower'

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - If there is one player that France must have stand tall and be a force in the paint to have a realistic shot of capturing a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, it's Rudy Gobert.

The giant Utah Jazz center, who missed the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila because of the need to rest and recover from various knocks during this past NBA season, joined France for the Games in Brazil and has gradually begun to resemble the player that dominated for spells of last year's EuroBasket.

Rudy Gobert (FRA) challenges Aron Baynes (AUS)

"We've changed a lot defensively speaking," France coach Vincent Collet said. "When he got those blocks in a row against China, he's protecting the rim better than most other big men in the world."

The 2.15m Gobert who has a phenomenal wingspan, had three blocks in France's horror show against Australia, an opening Group A game that the Boomers won, 87-66. In their 88-60 drubbing of China, the "Stifle Tower" rejected five shots.

Gobert gets one of his 5 blocks against China

In France's, 76-75 triumph over Serbia on Wednesday, Gobert had two blocks in 23 minutes of action.

If Les Bleus are aiming high, they need Gobert to be imposing against the better teams in this tournament and not just the weak ones like 0-3 China.

There have been instances at the Olympics when Gobert has read a play and moved over quickly to get a block or affect a shot.

"We are much more aggressive o the pick-and-roll," Collet said. "His reach is much farther than a normal big man, and this is really a strength for us."

At the other end of the floor, Gobert is a work in progress. At the EuroBasket last year, Gobert averaged more than 10 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. At the Olympics, he's averaging 6ppg, 7rpg and 3.33bpg. In the NBA with Utah this past season, he averaged 9.1ppg, 11rpg and 2.2bpg.

"We are trying to develop his offense and this is a way for us to improve," Collet said.

France take on Venezuela on Friday.

FIBA