It’s been a year since Stephen Curry told the French national team “Noot” “Noot” to win the Olympic gold medal.
Last year, basketball fans were treated to several incredible games thanks to the 2024 Summer Olympics. While some teams were holding the show, no side had drawn more eyeballs than perhaps Team USA.
But that’s not to say Team USA was easy. According to Steve Kerr, Team USA’s showdown against Serbia is one of the best basketball games ever.
Beyond that, what everyone was talking about was Steven Curry’s electric 24-point performance against France.
Team USA defeated France in the backyard to win the gold medal game. Victor Wenbanyama was distraught shortly after the loss. But how will a French player look back on his memory a year later?
Speaking to RMC Sports in a recent interview, New York Knicks and French basketball star Gershon Jabsere looked back on his thrilling gold medal game with Team USA.
Despite the losses, the French players were extremely proud of themselves. In fact, they acknowledge that the heroes of Stephen Curry protected them from the gold medal.
“After this final, we got a little hungry. We were doing well. We were able to put pressure on them.
“It’s encouraging. We’re getting closer every year. We’ve given it everything. The story is still beautiful. We’re happy with this silver medal.”
For Yabusele, the gold medal game has proven to be life-changing. He spent moments during the game, not only noticed by the fans, but also paved the way for him to the NBA.
Speaking further in the interview, Guerschon Yabusele reflected on the virus dunk against LeBron James during the match and how the moment resonates between fans and French teammates.
“When you walk through the streets of Philadelphia, ‘He’s the guy who dunked to LeBron!” It’s cool in the moment that you can do that in the final.
“And that gave the team a bit of a boost. It gave us the power to do all of those things. We got united.”
At this point, even Jabsere could not believe he dunked to LeBron James. It was probably the most shocking moment of the entire tournament.
Yabusele’s dunk was perhaps the best moment for the French national team in that game. It also proved to be the moment when his NBA career was revived.
A few months later, Jabsere, who had a difficult initial stint with the Celtics, joined the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers struggled last season, but Yabucere had a strong year.
Due to financial constraints, the 76ers did not re-sign him, allowing Yabucere to join the New York Knicks.
There’s no better way to complete a miraculous NBA comeback than to prove the 76ers wrong and help the Knicks win the NBA Championship next season.