Batum attacks French Federation: 'I don't give a damn about politics' / News - Basketnews.com

Batum attacked the French Federation for not allowing Thomas Heurtel to play and called for everyone to commit to play in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The French national team hoped to fight for the 2023 FIBA World Cup medal. After losing to Latvia, they will only play for 17th-32nd places. After the game, Nicolas Batum did not mince his words.

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"It's a big disappointment, that's for sure, we broke down mentally, physically, they were very strong, we weren't together," Batum told beIN Sports.

The veteran forward attacked the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) for their decision not to allow Thomas Heurtel to play for the national team - a thing that, Batum thinks, would have helped.

"Everyone must question themselves after what happened this summer: coaches, players, Federation, everyone. That we deprive ourselves of certain players, that we lose players because of certain conditions. Everyone needs to be committed," he said.

Heurtel has been banned from playing for France due to his choice to play in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Having previously declared that he would retire after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Batum opened up on what he really thinks.

"It was my last World Cup, I'll miss the summers, but I did everything for this jersey. When we deprive ourselves of certain guys... We've been together, we've been putting something in place for years... The players, we screwed up, but it takes a lot of people to question themselves," Batum continued.

"I have one year left in the France team. We need everyone in Paris, the best conditions, everyone. I don't give a damn about politics, we need the best team possible in France. I screwed up my last World Cup, and it really pisses me off," the player concluded.

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