SEVERE BLOW

Ian Mahinmi will miss
the first 2 games of
France in FIBA
World meet.

Team France’s campaign in the FIBA World Basketball Championships in Turkey suffered a severe blow with just a few days to go before the opening of the quadrennial meet. Power forward Ian Mahinmi fractured his middle-finger in the left hand that will sideline him for ten days and will likely miss the first two games against Spain and Lebanon, according to FIBA.com. France National coach Vincent Collet said he remains hopeful that Mahinmi will suit up for the team’s third game, a crucial one against Canada.

“Ian, who had had good performances recently, endured a stop that could be prejudicial in his final selection for the World Championship. I decided to keep him in the group as he could return for the crucial third game against Canada in Turkey.

“I will announce as I had stated before the final 12 players for the World Championship on Tuesday evening after the tournament in Villeurbanne.”