Featured Columnist IVAugust 3, 2024
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Joel Embiid’s choice to play for USA Basketball within the Paris Olympics over Cameroon or France has confirmed to be controversial, and has led to the Philadelphia 76ers famous person dealing with boos and heckling from French crowds.
However Embiid mentioned his selection in the end got here all the way down to a consolation degree with Group USA.
“It was a tricky choice, however it’s all about consolation degree, and like I mentioned, I’ve recognized these guys (Group USA gamers) for a very long time and I simply felt extra snug than on the opposite facet (France),” he told reporters Saturday. “There was some concern with the opposite facet. Consolation degree was big. I all the time say I’ll be the place I am needed and these guys needed me.”
It is necessary to notice that whereas Embiid was born in Cameroon, he is lived in the USA since he was 16, which means he is been within the nation half his life. He is additionally famous prior to now that he needed to play for Group USA since his son was born within the nation, and has urged that French officers put an excessive amount of stress on him to select the nation after they helped him acquire a French visa.
As for the booing he is confronted, Embiid has brushed it off.
“On the finish of the day, I believe lots of people suppose it is hate. I see it as love and respect,” he told reporters. “If I wasn’t an OK basketball participant, I might not obtain that sort of remedy and so I see myself as being blessed and that is why I work together with them.”
Embiid had his finest sport for Group USA on Saturday, scoring 15 factors and including two blocks in a 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico that clinched the highest general seed within the medal spherical for the Individuals.
