On October 5, renowned American NBA journalist Shams Charania revealed that Camrtoonian-born basketball player Joël Embiid (photo) had decided to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the American team. A few hours later, the player confirmed the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter). "After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA.  I want to play with my brothers in the league.  I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here.  But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him," he wrote.  

For several months, the basketball world had been waiting to find out which national team this season's NBA MVP would play for. Three choices were on the table: the USA, France, and Cameroon. A year ago, columnists thought France was the premier choice, especially as Joël Embiid himself had taken the first step by obtaining French nationality in July 2022. But this option soon seemed less obvious. As proof, Joël Embiid continued to take his time as the French national team's technical staff urged him to make up his mind.

Michel Ange Nga