Matthias Lessort entered the starting lineup for France NT against Canada after Rudy Gobert’s underwhelming performances during the preliminary face. The EuroLeague star was excellent against Canada’s NBA talent and French head coach Vincent Collet expressed his surprise for Lessort not playing in the most famous basketball league in the world.
France based its success against Canada on its EuroLeague talent as Isaia Cordinier had 20 points, Guershon Yabusele dominated the wing with 22, while Panathinaikos superstar Mathias Lessort added 13.
“Mathias was probably the best player in the EuroLeague this year. They won the championship with Panathinaikos, and he was not far from winning the MVP. So for me, it’s not a surprise,” Collet said, per Basketnews.
“What is a surprise? I don’t understand why he is not playing in the NBA. I don’t know why no team in the NBA takes this guy.”
Lessort build his reputation as one of the best centers in the EuroLeague during the last three seasons. He moved to Panathinaikos last summer playing under Ergin Ataman and he was the best player in the roster for the Greens when it came down to impact on both ends of the floor.
Lessort, who has received praise for his play during the past season, has seen limited time during the preliminary round of the Olympic tournament. He posts 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
Last season, the French bigman was averaging 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 blocks for Panathinaikos.
