Evan Fournier has announced his withdrawal from the French national basketball team for the upcoming July World Cup qualifying matches. Citing the physically and mentally taxing nature of his recent season with Olympiacos, including the EuroLeague Final Four and championship finals against Panathinaikos, Fournier stated that his current health condition does not allow him to join the squad and perform at his best. Despite his desire to contribute to the team’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, he believes stepping back is necessary. He expressed regret for the late withdrawal and hopes to rejoin the team in August if called upon.
Stepping in to replace Fournier is Gerald Ayayi, who has earned 4 caps for the national team. The shooting guard from Cholet, who was twice named Betclic Élite Player of the Month this season and received the Most Improved Player award, has been selected by coach Frédéric Fauthoux.
The French national team is scheduled to gather in Pau starting Monday, June 22nd, to prepare for their two upcoming games. They will face Belgium in Antwerp on Friday, July 3rd, and then compete against Finland in Pau on Monday, July 6th, as part of their 2027 World Cup qualification campaign.
France Basketball: Evan Fournier Out, Gerald Ayayi Joins Squad
Evan Fournier has made the decision to withdraw from the French national basketball team for the upcoming July World Cup qualifying games. He explained that the demanding season with Olympiacos, particularly the recent EuroLeague Final Four and the championship finals against Panathinaikos, has been extremely taxing both physically and mentally. While Fournier expressed his strong desire to rejoin the “Bleus” and be part of the project aiming for qualification for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, he concluded that his current physical and mental state prevents him from joining the team next week and performing at his peak. He regrets having to withdraw just days before the team’s assembly but hopes to return to the group in August should Frédéric Fauthoux decide to call him up.
Gerald Ayayi, who has accumulated 4 caps for France, has been called up by Frédéric Fauthoux to fill the vacant spot left by Evan Fournier. Ayayi, a shooting guard for Cholet, was recognized twice as the Betclic Élite Player of the Month during the current season and also received the award for Most Improved Player.
The French national team is set to convene in Pau from Monday, June 22nd. The team will be preparing for their two upcoming World Cup 2027 qualifying matches: one against Belgium in Antwerp on Friday, July 3rd, and another against Finland in Pau on Monday, July 6th.
