Rudy Gobert, the NBA Defensive Player of the year, spoke at the start of French training camp ahead of the FIBA World Cup

What’s your state of mind?

I’m motivated. Motivated to try to get the gold medal. And I’m happy to to come back to my friends, everybody here, the staff, the national team. I’m very happy to be in France.

What is the potential for France?

We have unlimited potential. I really do not see a limit for us. We’ve got talent at every position, experience and youth. It’s on us to be serious and get well prepared.

What about Team USA withdrawals?

They are still the favorites. They remain a very talented and athletic team. It would take 10 more players to quit the team for them not to be the favorites for the World Cup.

The World Cup, a big goal ?

The national team is as important as an NBA Final to me, even though we all know that the NBA is the one paying us. But I live for the competition, especially with a group of guys I enjoy being around.