Evan Fournier has shared a lengthy message in which he calls for unity around the French national team and assures that this group still has “more magic to give.”
Evan Fournier had dreamed of having a great summer with the French team, which spent much of the NBA season on the bench for the New York Knicks.
He ended up as France’s top scorer in the FIBA World Cup with an average of 22.8 points per game but couldn’t prevent his team’s elimination.
On Tuesday night, Fournier posted a lengthy message. He calls on everyone to recognize their responsibility, starting with himself, but reassures that this group still has “magic to give.”
“This group has been fighting to elevate French basketball to a global level since 2019. This year, we did not succeed in our mission. It’s a big disappointment for us players and a big disappointment for you, the fans. We’re sorry for that.
For the past few days, we’ve all been searching for explanations. It’s necessary to find solutions and come back stronger next year. Some talk about arrogance or complacency; the reality is we simply didn’t measure up.
This is sometimes the harsh reality of high-level sports, and you have to accept it. It’s a collective failure, a failure in which none of us is trying to shirk our responsibility. Starting with me. Neither disrespect nor pointing fingers will help us rise.
Even though some media or individuals seem strangely happy about our failure, nothing should divide us. We love this French team, and we will continue to fight for it.
We’ve made you proud in the past during the last three campaigns, and I am still convinced that this group has some magic left. For example, at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier will have to address the question of his future with a club because, before Paris 2024, he cannot afford to remain without a club for a year.