USA national team to pursue Joel Embiid to join them instead of France / News - Basketnews.com

US national team will pursue Joel Embiid and try to sway him away from joining France in international tournaments.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Szagola Credit AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Having received a French passport this summer, Joel Embiid recently accepted US citizenship. It now seems the two national teams will battle against each other to attract the center.

Marc Stein reports that US national team will try swaying Embiid away from the French in hopes that he can represent them in the upcoming international tournaments.

France's head coach Vincent Collet recently hoped that the player would play for France.

"I know he met some of our players to discuss," the coach said. "I think he should play with us. But we will see. We will respect his decision whatever it is."

Embiid became the NBA scoring champion and came in second in MVP voting. After accepting French citizenship, the center chose to spend the summer resting and improving his game. Last season, Embiid averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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