As the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament approaches, Côte d’Ivoire's national basketball team intensifies preparations with a rigorous training camp. This exclusive article offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team's strategy, discipline, and determination as they gear up for this crucial competition.
Last Updated on
June 23, 2024
Fanya Nkengasong
Staff Writer
One of the most remarkable moments from the 2023 Basketball World Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, was during Côte d'Ivoire's crucial final game against Iran, when the clash was hanging in the balance, with only a few seconds left on the clock. Star player Solo Diabaté, with nerves of steel, stepped up and delivered three crucial free throws, converting them all and securing a 71-69 victory for Côte d'Ivoire's Elephants.
Despite their performance, the Elephants were unable to secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This setback has set the stage for an exciting journey as the West African nation now must navigate the upcoming qualifiers to earn their ticket to the Olympic Games.
Côte d'Ivoire will take part in the challenging qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico from July 2nd to 7th, 2024. The competition is fierce, with Côte d'Ivoire competing in Group A against Mexico and Lithuania, while Group B is made up of Puerto Rico, Italy, and Bahrain.
As the Elephants prepare for the upcoming qualifiers, they have a familiar face leading the way. Head coach Natxo Lezkano, who previously guided Côte d'Ivoire to the runner-up position at the 2021 men's AfroBasket in Rwanda, has returned. His presence significantly boosts the team's preparations, ensuring optimal conditions for their journey to the Paris Olympic Games.
"It's always a pleasure for me, my children. You know, I am now an Ivorian," Lezkano declared.
Lezkano preselected 36 players, with their arrivals in Belgium staggered over time. Initially, around fifteen players responded to the call, including Solo Diabaté, Maxence Dadiet, Nisre Zouzoua, Asseman Moulare, Ugo Doumbia, Vanessa Fofana, Lionel Mathieu Kouadio, Joseph Mobio, Jean Phillippe Dally, Cedric Bah, and Amadou Sidibe. As expected, Philadelphia 76ers player Mo Bamba joined his compatriots alongside Kevin and Alex Poythress. Young EuroLeague star, Ismael Kamagate recently joined the squad on the 19th.
The 23-year-old French-born center, standing at 2.13 meters (6'11") decided to play for Côte d'Ivoire, even covering his own travel expenses to join the camp in Belgium. Unfortunately, due to an ankle injury, he could not participate in the first friendly game against Belgium on June 19th, which the Elephants lost 88-63.
Following the first phase of their preparation in Belgium, the Elephants have moved to Spain for the second phase. From June 20th to 28th, 2024, they will be honing their skills and strategies, playing two friendly matches against the Dominican Republic. The defeat against Belgium was a valuable learning experience, with Coach Lezkano guiding the team towards their ultimate goal.
"It was only a friendly match, and it allowed us to draw the right conclusions. We will work on this second phase with the arrival of the expected players. We will focus on physical, tactical, and defensive aspects."
Côte d'Ivoire's supporters hope to see the Elephants compete in the fast-approaching Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Souleyman Diabate, Jeff Kebe, Assemian Moulare, Ugo Doumbia, Sire Dieng, Nisre Zouzoua, Maxence Dadiet, Zoom Diallo, Mike Santis Fofana, Ismael Sanogo, Ulrich Mohamed Kra, Jean Phillippe Dally, Joseph Mobio, Lionel Kouadio, Vafessa Fofana, Charles Aboud, Dioubate Mouhamed, Aboubacar Traore, Boris Dallo, Cedric Bah, Deon Thompson, Alex Poythress, Amadou Sidibe, Patric Tape, Zamba Camara, Bali Coulibaly, Matt Costello, Traore Basile, Mathias Van Beemt, Mo Bamba, Kevin Yebo, Quincy Guerrier
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