Georgian big man Sandro Mamukelashvili did not hold back as they dethroned France with an 80-70 victory to advance to the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The 6-foot-9 believed it was a great start in the new era, developing their skill level into a team that can be looked forward to in the future.
“I wish them nothing but the best, but right now I can text Victor Wembanyama and tell him we just beat France, and it’s too bad he was not here because we would beat them with him too,” Mamukelashvili said after the game, per Eurohoops.
“This era, new era, definitely the biggest win. We are very happy. And you know we never really doubted ourselves,” Mamukelashvili added.
The French basketball program has always been dominant in EuroBasket, but it appeared to have an unfortunate outcome as they ended their stint in the Round 16.
It has become a statement since a competitor like Georgia has a record of not being able to compete on a higher level than France in basketball.
Although France did not play their key players, such as Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, and others, their chemistry can still compete at a high level.
Mamukelashvili and Wembanyama were former San Antonio Spurs teammates for the past two seasons. The former Spurs recently signed with the Toronto Raptors this offseason, bringing the pride of his nation, Georgia.
“Ours for sure,” Mamu said. “[France] were favorites to win, and we came out so poised. People come out agitated against teams like this, and we were like, just no pressure. We come out there and we play our basketball.”
Georgia will look forward to maintaining their winning momentum as they face their next matchup against Finland on Wednesday at 10 AM ET.
