Embiid hints might represent Cameroon in next Olympics

Joel Embiid has said he might play for his home country Cameroon in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, if the team qualifies.

The 76ers center is representing team USA at the ongoing Games in Paris and has been a key player through their journey to a fifth consecutive gold medal match scheduled against hosts France on Saturday.

“It’s been a good experience in Paris. 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 said, as quoted by San Francisco Chronicle senior reporter Ron Kroichick.

Joel Embiid has averaged 13 points per game in Paris, scoring 19 points in the 95-91 semi-final win against Serbia on Thursday.

In the final, Embiid will face a crowd that has criticized him for choosing USA over France.

He made the decision to represent team USA over France and his native country Cameroon, saying he wanted to make his son whose birthplace is the US proud.

For the 30-year-old to represent Cameroon in 2028, certain criteria will have to be met. Both countries (USA and Cameroon) will have to approve the move. He will need to have a valid passport from the new country, and not have represented any national team at the senior level in an official FIBA competition for a minimum of three years since his last appearance with the previous national team.

It will also have to be seen to be in the interest of the development of basketball in the new country.