Evan Fournier explains his withdrawal: « My physical and mental health did not allow me to join the national team »

The French Basketball Federation has officially confirmed the withdrawal of Evan Fournier (6’6″, 33 years old) from the next two qualification games for the 2027 World Cup, scheduled for early July. The veteran, who won the EuroLeague title and the Greek championship, says he is both mentally and physically drained.

While he hopes to end his international career at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Evan Fournier is well aware of the importance of these qualification windows for the Qatar World Cup, which also serves as a pathway to the next Olympiad. He also knows that these summer windows are key to building early collective chemistry ahead of upcoming competitions. However, given the immense pressure in Greece and a long season that just came to an end, the former New York Knicks player has nothing left in the tank right now. After taking a break — both physically and mentally — he hopes to rejoin the French team in the fall, for the international window at the end of August or early September.

Evan Fournier’s explanation for his withdrawal:

« I contacted Frédéric Fauthoux to inform him of my withdrawal from the World Cup qualification games in July. The season with Olympiacos, and especially these last few weeks — between the EuroLeague Final Four and the championship finals against Panathinaikos — have been very demanding both physically and mentally. Despite my desire to rejoin the French team and be part of the project to qualify for the 2027 World Cup and then the 2028 Olympics, I felt that my physical and mental condition did not allow me to join the squad next week and perform at my best level. I regret having to withdraw just days before the gathering, but I hope to rejoin the group in August if Freddy decides to call me up. »

Ayayi replaces Fournier

To replace Evan Fournier, the French national team staff has called up Gérald Ayayi (6’3″, 24 years old). The guard is coming off an excellent season with Cholet. Targeted by ASVEL, he is also being contacted by foreign clubs. Already called up by Frédéric Fauthoux during the last two windows, he will this time join a group made up of NBA and EuroLeague players.

Do you understand Evan Fournier’s decision to withdraw from this international window due to exhaustion?