Ghana born Shooting Guard Billy Yakuba Ouatarra has been named in the reserve list for France’s 2019 FIBA World Cup roster.
The 27 year old player is one of three key players who missed the 15 man provisional squad released earlier this week by the French Federation ahead of the competition which tips off on August 31 in China.
Ouatarra alongside Phoenix Suns Guard Elie Okobo and Boston Celtics Forward Guerschon Yabusele headline the reserve roster that will practice with the main provisional team before the final selection is announced.
Billy, born in Tepa in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, is preparing to play in the French League playoff finals against ASVEL. Game One is on Saturday, June 15.
In 33 games in the regular season, Ouatarra averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assist in 25.6 minutes and has played a key role in Monaco run to the final in the postseason.
Stellar names dominate France’s roster including Rudy Gobert of Utah Jazz, Nicholas Batum of Charlotte Hornets and Evan Fournier of Orlando Magic.
Ouatarra has represented France at the junior and senior level.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
