Moussa Diabaté chooses to prepare for NBA season rather than play in EuroBasket, Neal Sako soon to be called up?

First rejection for Frédéric Fauthoux! The French coach, who must think more than ever about building the French frontcourt after Vincent Poirier’s withdrawal from EuroBasket, indicated that Moussa Diabaté, recently cut, would not return.

⛔️ Moussa Diabaté will not return to the French national team!

Contacted by staff to replace Vincent Poirier, who withdrew, the player chose not to return to focus on his future #NBA season!

[@Be_BasketFr] pic.twitter.com/4OaoxZZ4QT

— Arthur P. 📰 (@Arthur_Puy) August 16, 2025

Frédéric Fauthoux tried to bring back his Hornets center having « already contacted him ». But the latter « refused after consulting with his entourage ». The expressed reason is simple: « He prefers to focus on his future NBA season ».

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Vincent Poirier out of EuroBasket! – BeBasket

Editorial

To compensate for the absence of his most experienced player, Frédéric Fauthoux explained that he « rules nothing out », possibly calling up a player who hasn’t been part of the initial preparation. According to our information, Neal Sako would be on the coach’s shortlist, who should announce his final roster within the next few hours.

Center position withdrawals for Euro 2025: Wembanyama, Lessort, Gobert, Poirier and Fall.

❌ Moussa Diabaté should not return, Gobert will not return.

🤳 Neal Sako has turned off airplane mode and keeps his phone nearby. https://t.co/FydgUMvEt8

— Gabriel Pantel-Jouve (@GabrielPJ_) August 16, 2025