Did you catch the EuroBasket 2025 opener? Knicks’ new forward Guerschon Yabusele put on a clinic leading France to a huge win! His performance was electrifying, showcasing why he’s one to watch. What does this mean for his upcoming NBA season?
The highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 opener saw future New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele lead the French men’s national basketball team to a decisive victory over Belgium, setting a strong tone for their tournament aspirations. Yabusele, serving as captain, demonstrated an early command on the court, embodying the spirit of teamwork that propelled Les Bleus to a formidable start.
In a compelling display of collective strength, Yabusele was one of five French players to achieve double-digit scoring in their initial Group D clash. Contributing 11 points, the versatile forward played a pivotal role in France’s dominant 92-64 triumph against Belgium in Poland, securing a crucial early advantage in the competition.
Despite a modest 1-of-7 shooting performance from the field, Guerschon Yabusele showcased his robust physicality and strategic prowess by converting nine out of ten free-throw attempts. This exceptional foul line efficiency highlighted a key area of strength, particularly significant given the New York Knicks’ prior season average of approximately 21 free throws per game, placing them 19th in the NBA.
Beyond his scoring contributions, Yabusele delivered an all-around performance that underscored his value to the French squad. He committed only one foul while efficiently collecting three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. His initial points, a decisive drive under the basket, established an early 4-2 lead for France, which they steadfastly maintained by restricting Belgium to under 36 percent shooting from the field.
This impressive victory extends France’s strong momentum following a perfect 5-0 run in their exhibition lead-ins, where Yabusele played a significant role. The successful launch of their EuroBasket campaign builds upon a rich recent history, including a silver medal at last year’s Olympic Games held on home soil in Paris, and a second-place finish in the 2022 EuroBasket edition.
Yabusele was not alone in his efforts, as several other standout French players contributed significantly. Elie Okobo and Washington Wizards talent Bilal Coulibaly each topped the scoring with a dozen points, with Coulibaly nearly achieving a double-double by leading the team with seven rebounds. Atlanta Hawks’ recent top draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher, also joined the double-figure club with 10 points.
France’s authoritative win positioned them among the early leaders in Group D, alongside Israel, which secured an 83-71 victory against Iceland earlier in the day. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of international basketball talent, with Guerschon Yabusele and Les Bleus poised for a deep run.
As the New York Knicks forward continues to hone his skills on the international stage, his performances in EuroBasket 2025 offer a tantalizing glimpse into the impactful future he may bring to the NBA. The early signs suggest a player ready to elevate his game and contribute significantly to both his national team and his professional club.
