Some countries, like the United States, don’t really care about the World Cup. The 2019 FIBA World Cup in China was perhaps evidence of that, with Team USA not even bothering to medal.
For countries like France and players like Rudy Gobert, the World Cup is a chance to show that their nation is one that is coming forth as a place to be reckoned with when it comes to basketball development.
France recently took home third place in the 2019 Cup, and for that the Utah Jazz center was grateful. Speaking to reporters after their win over Australia, Gobert said that grabbing the bronze “means everything” to him and to France.
Via Twitter:
Jazz center @rudygobert27 on the bronze: "It means everything. Obviously it's not the one we wanted. We all know that. But being able to come back _ we're the only team that was on the podium five years ago and on the podium now. So it shows our heart."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 15, 2019
That’s some pretty moving stuff from a guy in Gobert who we know is someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve.