New York Knicks New Forward Shines as France Downs Belgium

France's men's national basketball team, led by captain Guerschon Yabusele, began their EuroBasket 2025 campaign with a dominant 92–64 victory over Belgium in Group D play held in Poland. Yabusele, who recently joined the New York Knicks, was one of five French players to score in double figures, contributing 11 points despite shooting just 1-of-7 from the field. He excelled at the free-throw line, making 9 of 10 attempts, and added three rebounds, two assists, and two steals while committing only one foul.

Elie Okobo and Bilal Coulibaly were the top scorers for France with 12 points each, with Coulibaly also grabbing a team-high seven rebounds. Atlanta Hawks draft pick Zaccharie Risacher also reached double figures with 10 points. The French defense held Belgium to under 36 percent shooting from the field, continuing the strong form shown in their undefeated pre-tournament exhibition games.

This win marks a positive start for France following their silver medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team has one previous EuroBasket title from 2013 and finished as runners-up to Spain in the 2022 edition. In other Group D action, Israel defeated Iceland 83–71. France's next match will be against Slovenia on Saturday.