Rudy Gobert will play for France at 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Li Xiang
["china"]
Rudy Gobert of the NBA's Utah Jazz confirmed that he would play for France at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
"Yes, absolutely. It's one of my goals for this year and I'm looking forward to competing in China this summer. There are still plenty of months before the beginning of the tournament, but I want to wear the 'bleu' jersey this summer and represent my country," said Gobert.
Though Utah were knocked out by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs this season, Gobert had a quite successful season. In the 81 games he played for Utah, the French Center could get 15.9 points at a field goal rate of 66.9 percent, 12.9 rebounds and two assists, all career highs.
Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz blocks a shot by James Harden (L) of the Houston Rockets in the game. /VCG Photo 

Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz blocks a shot by James Harden (L) of the Houston Rockets in the game. /VCG Photo 

Gobert also elected into the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defense First Team this season. He is also one of the finalists for the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), competing with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George.
Gobert was no rookie for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Four years ago at the first tournament in Spain, France defeated the host Spain 65-52 in the quarterfinals while Gobert dropped five points, 13 rebounds and made a scene by blocking Spain's Pau Gasol.
Though France were knocked out by Serbia in the semifinals, they managed to claim the bronze medal by beating Lithuania 95-93. When Gobert recalled those memories, he still felt excited.
Rudy Gobert #12 of France celebrate with his teammates after France win the bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. /VCG Photo

Rudy Gobert #12 of France celebrate with his teammates after France win the bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. /VCG Photo

"I have so many good memories about this tournament. The win against Spain, the training camp to get ready for the competition, the Third-Place Game and the joy we all shared by winning this bronze medal, that was an amazing experience. Nobody expected us to have such a good run, and we did very well. Never underestimate any team in any competition!"
France are in Group G with Germany, Jordan and the Dominican Republic and the competition will happen in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province. Gobert believes that his country is capable of winning a medal this time.
"We want to have a great run, and try to fight for the top spots. Nothing is impossible, we want to fight for the best and we would like to write another great page in France's basketball history. The level of the competition is going to be very high, so a lot of teams can reach the top three spots," he said.