Photo: Virtus Segafredo Bologna/YouTube

France’s Isaia Cordinier is focused on Round of 16 clash with Georgia at EuroBasket 2025, after finishing first in Group D with a 4-1 record in Poland. The action moves to Riga’s Xiaomi Arena on Sunday.

“Super happy to be here. First step done. We got the job done, finishing first. That was our first goal. And now let the dance begin,” said Cordinier, reflecting on France’s group-stage success.

On the opposite side, the 28-year-old French star will face his longtime club teammate Tornike Shengelia of Georgia.

“Right away after Greece’s game, we exchanged texts,” Cordinier said, referring to Greece’s win over Spain that set up France’s matchup. “First time we will compete against each other in the international competition. You go harder against your best friends, let’s say, but no friends on the floor.”

Speaking on the challenges of Group C, he added, “This group was crazy competitive. I think that when you get out of this group, you only get stronger. So that’s a very, very serious team that we gotta take care of and be careful in details and just be ready to commit to play a very tough game.”

Cordinier also reflected on other top teams, such as Serbia, noting, “They were the favorites, I think they still are. Serbia, Germany, Turkiye, I think that these teams have the strongest game and everything. Obviously, Turkiye versus Serbia was an amazing game. And it just shows the level of competitiveness of this EuroBasket. For example, Spain is out. It just shows how high and how you have to get focused to play every single team and not only the top teams.”

Looking ahead to club-level changes, Cordinier praised Saliou Niang, who will replace him at Virtus Bologna next season while he moves to Anadolu Efes.

“I think he will be very important for Virtus next season. The way he plays, it just shows the hustle and the motor he has. I think he will do great, and I’m very happy for him as well. I saw that he improved a lot this summer, too.”

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