Joel Embiid completed his quest to be an Olympic Gold medallist this summer with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While Embiid has been criticized for his decision to represent Team USA over his native country Cameroon or France, Cameroon treated Embiid like a national hero upon visiting the country. He was awarded the prestigious ‘Order of Valor’ by the Cameroonian government.
The Order of Valor is handed out to Cameroonians who have made ‘exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, science, agriculture, commerce, or industry.’ Embiid attended the ceremony with his father, who also served in the Cameroonian Army as a colonel.
Joel recently discussed how he might switch national team allegiances again to represent Cameroon at the 2028 LA Olympics after having won Gold with the USA in 2024.
“It’s been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon.”
Embiid had a disappointing tournament by his standard, averaging 11.2 points. However, he came up clutch for Team USA with 19 points in their semi-final against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, outplaying his rival in one of the greatest international matchups of all time.
France Didn’t Treat Him As Nicely As Cameroon For Picking Team USA
Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA led to the snubbing of both Cameroon and France, as the host nation for the 2024 Olympics had given Embiid a French passport after recruiting him to represent the country to give them a shot at beating Team USA. It’s important to know that Embiid isn’t French and has never lived in the country, so it was international free agency, with Embiid picking the USA over France.
Cameroon isn’t as competitive as either France or the USA despite having Pascal Siakam on the roster, so that’s probably why they never featured in Embiid’s international decision. He was treated like a hero by his own people even though he won the Gold for the USA, but French fans consistently booed Embiid throughout the tournament.
Embiid has later even said that he didn’t feel France actually wanted him on the roster and that Team USA convinced him to represent them instead.
“It was a tough decision, but it is all about comfort level, and as I said, I’ve known these guys (Team USA players) for a long time and I just felt more comfortable than on the other side (France). There was some concern with the other side… The comfort level was huge. I always say I’m going to be where I’m wanted and these guys wanted me.”
The outcome of the Olympics likely wouldn’t be different. We know the French locker room had multiple tensions run through it this summer, so adding Embiid who is unfamiliar with FIBA ball to that dynamic could’ve further hurt the team.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
