The United States basketball program is eyeing to recruit Joel Embiid and beat out the French national team in the race for the superstar big man’s basketball world stage service, sources told insider Marc Stein.
The Philadelpgia 76ers cornerstone received his honors of being an American citizen earlier this month. This makes him available to suit up for the proud colors of the U.S.
Meanwhile, he initially gained his French citizenship last July, and national team mentor Vincent Collet is hoping that Embiid will choose their project for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I know he met some of our players to discuss,” Collet said. “I think he should play with us. But we will see. We will respect his decision whatever it is.”
Embiid, who was born as a Cameroonian citizen, was named on the nation’s preliminary lineup back in 2017 AfroBasket, but eventually wasn’t able to play.
Embiid is yet to experience playing on the international stage. With both the U.S. and France being basketball powerhouses, his production will be a tremendous boost for their pursuit of winning.
