Heading into the 2012 Olympics, the French National team was considered one of the better teams in the field. With players like Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Ronny Turiaf, Nando De Colo, and more on the roster, France was seen as a challenge to the top-tier teams.
However, France was beset with an injury to Joakim Noah, and Rodrigue Beaubois and Ian Mahinmi not suiting up, France's chances to medal were lessened and in the end, the team finished sixth in the tournament after losing to Spain, 66-59.
But the loss is still weighing on San Antonio Spurs' Boris Diaw who says (via French site L'equipe) the loss still hurts.
"In previous years, we had lost because they (the Spaniards) were better. Here we lost because we did not have luck on the end (…) At the Euro final, there was no killer instinct. Here we had [that killer instinct]," he said.
Team France and Diaw should be looking forward to the Rio Games in 2016. France should have a complete team with Noah, Diaw, Parker, and the rest of the squad coming back for another run at a medal. However, France should be wary that in Rio, it might be the last shot that team is together. Parker has mentioned the 2016 Games might be his last time playing at the Olympics, and Diaw, Noah, Turiaf, and other will be 4-years older. Add the fact Argentina won't be as strong as in years past, Diaw and Team France will definitely have a good shot at capturing a medal in Rio.
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