Ian Mahinmi to play for his country in the FIBA World Cup Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Spain.
Ian Mahinmi will be heading to training camp with the France National Team and then is expected to earn a roster spot for next month’s FIBA World Cup. The Pacers’ center announced the news on Twitter Thursday morning.
Très heureux de pouvoir annoncer que je vais faire mon retour en Equipe de France! Hâte de retrouver les gars et d’enfiler le maillot bleu!
— Ian Mahinmi (@ianmahinmi) July 24, 2014
Translation: “Very happy to announce that I will make my return to Team France! Looking forward to seeing the guys and don the blue shirt!”
Mahinmi has been home in France this month for his annual basketball camp.
Journée basket ds le 19e : @mameight & l’association @maxceparis en compagnie de @theborisdiaw @bomaye12 @emiliegomis pic.twitter.com/Y4OGlCNgHk
— Ian Mahinmi (@ianmahinmi) July 19, 2014
Mahinmi received a late invitation to join the France National Team because Alexis Ajinça and Kevin Seraphin were both unavailable. Ajinça understandably wished to remain home with his pregnant wife, and Seraphin reportedly was not granted permission by the Washington Wizards to partake.
This isn’t Mahinmi first time on the National Team. The Frenchman averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game during the 2010 World Basketball Championships.