Kansas product Joel Embiid wins Olympic gold with Team USA
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Jayhawks have an Olympic gold medalist returning to the United States.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid helped lead Team USA to a men’s basketball gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 98-87 win over host nation France in the gold medal game. It was his first tournament representing the United States after he had the opportunity to play for France, Cameroon or the USA.
It was also USA’s fifth straight Olympic gold medal in the event.
His impact in the gold medal game was minimal as head coach Steve Kerr opted for most of the center minutes to go to Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo and Los Angeles Laker star Anthony Davis.
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Embiid recorded four points (all from free throws), three rebounds and two assists while he missed his only shot from the floor. He received boos from the French crowd as he battled with Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert in the paint.
Embiid started all but one game of the six games in the Olympics for the USA averaging 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 47.8% from the floor, and 53.8% from three.
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Embiid’s best performance came in the semifinal game against Serbia where he notched 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting 72.7% from the floor and 2 for 3 from three. His defense was also key in Team USA’s 17-point comeback.
Embiid is the first Jayhawk alum to medal at the Paris Olympics.
800m runner Bryce Hoppel broke an American record in the event but was .17 seconds shy of a bronze medal in the final just hours before Team USA’s gold medal match.
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