MANILA, Philippines — Call it two-pronged.
It’s treat and torture rolled into one as the French national basketball team announced its final 12 cagers for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next week.
The lineup, which was bared by Vincent Collet and team director Beesley Wednesday, touts four National Basketball Association (NBA) players—two of them, tested veterans and champions: Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, both of the San Antonio Spurs.
The two other NBA players that made the final cut are Nicolas Batum and Joffrey Lauvergne. They play for Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets, respectively.
Four of the Frenchmen play overseas basketball. They are Nando de Colo (Russia), Antoine Diot (Spain), Thomas Huertel (Turkey), and Adrien Moerman (Turkey) and Kim Tillie (Spain).
Completing the Collet-mentored cast are Mickael Gelabale, Charles Kahudi and Florent Pietrus, all playing in a French league.
Per Sportando.com, the last two cuts were Edwin Jackson and Alexis Ajinca. Although the former would be traveling with the team in case Batum hits contractual hurdles during the tournament.
The OQT kicks off July 2, 2016, Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Parker leads 4 NBA players in Manila-bound French team
From left: Nicolas Batum, Florent Pietrus and Boris Diaw of the French national basketball team. | FIBA.com