Basketball: "There wasn't much shouting, but we said things to each other at halftime," says Francisco.

Several players from the French team give their analysis after the stunning victory over Spain on Saturday at Bercy.
Sylvain Francisco (point guard of the French basketball team, after the victory over Spain ) : “ The speech at halftime? To make stops and share the ball a little more. When you're alone, you have to shoot, but we were calm. The most important thing was to be more aggressive in defense and not let them set up the game. That's what we did. We were calm, there was no shouting, it was calm, but at least we said things to each other. Everyone spoke. We all pointed fingers, but the most important thing is that the great players get up at the end. Scoring points for the final group? I let the coach do it. For me, you just have to do what I have to do and bring what the team asks of me, quite simply. I feel very comfortable, I feel like myself.” Even if I miss some easy throws and shots (smile).
We can't lose in Paris. The atmosphere is there at the beginning and it has to be there at the end too. I think the energy we had at the beginning wasn't that great. But in the end, we did what we had to do. (…) I like the character we showed. We have great character and it shows right away. And the team's cohesion is huge. That's the most important thing actually. Stress before the list is announced? Yes, it is stressful because I really want to be in the 12. But it's something you can't control . I wouldn't like to be in the coach's shoes, it's really tough ." (in the mixed zone)
Skip the adJaylen Hoard (power forward for the French national basketball team) : " In the second half, we had to put in a lot more energy. At the beginning of the match, we started a little slowly, so we had to change things up, put in more intensity, and that's what we did in the second half. " (in the mixed zone)
If we don't put in that energy, that impact, we become a vulnerable team.
Mam Jaiteh
Mam Jaiteh (center of the French basketball team) : " I'm extremely happy with the team and the character we showed this (Saturday) evening. I think the main goal of preparation is to see all the possible scenarios and everything that can happen. We played an excellent, intense game last Thursday in Spain. We started the game thinking that it would pass. We saw right away that if we don't put in that energy, that impact, we become a vulnerable team. And when we return to our standards, right away, we become the team that can go after what we want to go after."
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The fouls? It wasn't easy... I don't think I found that intensity at the start of the match. Obviously, when it's like that, the whistles might not be in your favor... As for my fourth foul after the break, it started a certain dynamic. This foul, despite everything, is beneficial. If I have to do it again, I'll do it again. Vincent Poirier's withdrawal? It gives more responsibility. You have to be there because, concretely, you're representing a country. I feel the confidence from the staff, from the teammates. (in a press conference)
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