In an interview with Basketball Sphere, Francois Kuyo talked about basketball culture in Ivory Coast and the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023.
At Mundobasket 2019, Ivory Coast was the last team to qualify from Africa. This time, it was much different. The team led by Slovenian expert Dejan Prokic caught the first train to the World Cup, in which they will participate for the fifth time.
Ivory Coast comes to the tournament as African vice-champion, with the desire to secure a visa for the Olympic Games. Guard Francois Kuyo played a role during the World Cup qualifiers.
Tony Parker’s influence and cousin Sebastian Haller
Given that Didier Drogba is a superstar in the Ivory Coast (therefore football has a special place), how come Kuyo chose basketball?
“It was my mother who introduced me to the whole story. I grew up in France and basketball was starting to become very popular because of Tony Parker. I like football too. Drogba is one of my idols and I am happy that my cousin Sebastian Haller followed his path.”
The FIBA World Cup 2023 is a new opportunity to popularize basketball even more in this African country.
“It is the biggest stage. We expect top basketball. The goal is to win every game. To show the world that the Ivory Coast is a great basketball country, with talented players and a very high-quality professional staff. The main goal is a visa for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.“
About Partizan and Kevin Punter
Dejan Prokic’s team is in a group with Spain, Brazil and Iran.
“Difficult group, but we have a chance to show quality. Spain is the world and European champion, so the first game will be a very good test for us. Iran and Brazil also have many stars. It will be three difficult matches, but each of us dreams of competing against such quality teams.“
Kuyo is also a big fan of Serbian basketball. There is also a Belgrade club that is very close to him.
“I fell in love with Serbian basketball from a young age. I’m a fan of Partizan and Kevin Punter is one of my favorite players in Europe, so it’s a perfect combination. I hope to visit the Stark Arena soon” – said Francois Kuyo to Basketball Sphere.