LOOK: Evan Fournier shoots hoops in Coron

SCREENGRAB FROM EVAN FOURNIER’S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Evan Fournier is already doing his scouting two months away from the Manila Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

On his Instagram account, the Orlando Magic guard posted a picture of him shooting on makeshift hoops during his stay in Palawan with a caption, “It’s practice time in #Palawan”

Fournier has also been acclimating himself to the country, as seen in photographs of him exploring the city and soaking in the beaches of Coron in his week-long stay.

He is expected to be in the French national basketball team which will vie for the lone Olympic spot in the Manila OQT in July.

READ: Pricey tickets to watch Gilas at Manila Olympic qualifiers

George Natier, the cultural attache of the Embassy of France to the Philippines, acknowledged that though on paper, the France is among the favorites, the team’s fate will still depend on the availability of the players.

“We hope that all of the best members will be there. We don’t know yet who’s going to be there,” he said.

“When you are the favorite, you have all the pressure. But nobody knows. It’s the magic of sports: you don’t know who’s going to win before the match happens.”

Tony Parker has already implied his commitment to be with France for the Manila OQT, but Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw are doubtful for the tournament, set on July 5 to 10.

READ: Blatche to play for Manila Olympic qualifying tourney – Gilas Pilipinas

Despite the uncertainty that looms with the national team, Natier believes that the team will still give their all once they take the hardcourt of Mall of Asia Arena.

“I think it’s tricky for (the players) because they are focused on what they have to do with their teams. It’s hard for them to look in the future, but they’re professionals so when they get here, they’ll do everything they can to beat the Philippines and to be at the Olympic Games,” he said.

And Natier is with the whole country in anticipation for what is shaping up to be a huge celebration of basketball in the Manila OQT.

“It’s amazing and what they want to do is more than just a competition. We’re quite all excited about the game because it’s the Philippines against France on the first day,” he said.

“I have a feeling that the crowd here is going to be massive. Every time there’s something that is happening, all the Filipinos are there. I’m expecting something huge.”