World Basketball: "I see the Blues beat the United States," says Thomas Heurtel

It's a poster as exciting as dangerous! Beaten by the Australians Monday (98-100), France faces this Wednesday (13 hours) the American ogre in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in China. If the opponent is not a "Dream Team", he is coached by Gregg Popovich (San Antonio) and Steve Kerr (Golden State), coaching references in the NBA, and remains the favorite for the title. A scenario that recalls the historic quarter-final of the World Cup in 2014.

At the time the Blues, without Parker, create the sensation by dominating the Spanish armada at home (65-52). Conductor of the tricolor during this competition, Thomas Heurtel (30 years) is convinced that the feat is possible against the Americans. Rehabilitated at home in Spain after his left knee surgery in August – which forced him to leave the preparation of the Blues and forfeit the world – the leader of Barcelona is optimistic.

How is your rehabilitation going?

THOMAS HEURTEL. Things are going well. I take advantage of being immobilized to do a lot of bodybuilding. I do two hours in the morning and as much in the afternoon. My return is expected in 4 to 6 months. As I have time, I take the opportunity to fill some gaps.

And follow the matches of the France team?

Of course. It was difficult at first to watch the games in China because I should have been there but I am the first supporter of France. I do not have much to do so I spend part of my day watching games on my couch or in bed. I am also in regular contact with my teammates, especially with Evan (Editor's note: Fournier) but also Vincent Collet (Editor's note: the coach) or Pascal Donnadieu (Editor's note: assistant coach).

What is your feeling after the loss to Australia?

France managed a great campaign but lost the match that should not be lost. Too bad. We give in on the end, it's not the first time.

This defeat forces France to face the United States …

It is obvious that it is not the best opponent but why approach the meeting beaten in advance? On the contrary, I see them realizing a feat and beating this team from the United States. I am very optimistic. After the match against Australia, I spoke to Evan and Pascal and told them that I was convinced that they could do it.

Why ?

The US team is not the strongest we've seen. Athletically, we can compete. If we look at our 5 major, it's a 5 NBA, after there is Nando (Editor's note: From Colo), Vincent (Editor's note: Pear tree) who come out of the bench. It will be a complicated match but we have the weapons to beat them. I really believe it. I'm not the only one, I had Evan who was disappointed by the defeat but mostly determined.

To face the United States, it is always particular for a player?

Yes, when you're a kid it's the team that makes you dream. They are the best players in the world. Even if this year the best are not there, it remains a team and a jersey full of history. There are still players like Kemba Walker (Editor's note: former partner of Batum and Parker in Charlotte) who can put you 40 points if you do not watch. Face the United States is the game you love to play, like Brazil at football.

The French who play in the NBA will they be even more motivated?

I do not know but during the match against Australia we see that Joe Ingles room Rudy Gobert (Note: NBA partners). We feel that there is a particular challenge between them.

You have made the start of preparation with the Blues, what are the strengths of this group?

Unfortunately, I did not stay long, but from the beginning, we felt a real cohesion. A real group. It reminded me of the team we had in 2014 at the World Cup. We had beaten Spain, which was said to be unbeatable at home. We have shown that nothing is impossible if we play for each other, as a team. I find the same values. There are leaders in the field but everyone has a role and serves the collective. That's why I'm optimistic for this quarterfinal.

On the other hand, an elimination would be considered as a failure …

We can not talk about failure but it would be a huge disappointment. Even if we have the weapons to beat the United States, it remains the United States. People who follow basketball know that it's complicated. Afterwards, there will always be people to criticize.

Above all, this would force France to play a tournament next summer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics …

This is not a problem. It has been done in the past by playing a tournament in the Philippines. It is better to hang a medal and go to the Olympics directly but if you have to go through the TQO, we will do it. But they will create a surprise against the United States. I trust.