Early on Friday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina will not be playing for France during the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. It seems the former 8th overall pick would like to use the majority of his time preparing for the 2018-19 NBA season.
Frank Ntilikina told l'Equipe that he will NOT play for France 🇫🇷 in upcoming #fibawc qualifiers. He wants to be as ready as possible for his second season in the NBA with Knicks.
— Sportando (@Sportando) August 24, 2018
Ntilikina, now 20 years of age, officially signed with the Knicks on July 5, 2017. By most accounts, the team is excited about his potential.
In 78 games played during the 2017-18 regular season, Ntilikina — a French/Rwandan national — racked up averages of 5.9 points on 36.4 percent shooting from the field (31.8 percent from beyond the arc), 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and just under one steal (0.8) in 21.9 minutes per outing.
Ntilikina explained why he won't be suiting up for the French National Team this September in an interview with L'Equip.
“It is with great honor and pride that I received the announcement of my selection,” Ntilikina told L'Equip. “However, at the dawn of my second NBA season with the New York Knicks, the timing appears very complex. It is with great regret that I will not be able to finally join the rest of the group.”
The second round of European qualifiers begin in September and run into February. The actual World Cup will be played on Aug. 31, 2019. The French National Team is currently ranked No. 1 in Group K with a 6-0 record, just ahead of the Czech Republic (5-1). Russia and Finland are trailing in the group, carrying a 3-3 record.
Twelve European teams qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2019, as well as seven teams from Asia, five from Africa and seven from the Americas. Of the 32 teams competing in the World Cup, seven will directly qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Though he won't be suiting up for the French National Team in FIBA play, Ntilikina will be looking to leave an impression in his second NBA season.
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