Why former KU center Joel Embiid plans to play for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics

Former Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball center Joel Embiid, who is eligible to play for the U.S. or France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, on Thursday announced that he plans to compete for Team USA .

Embiid holds dual U.S.-French citizenship. The 29-year-old was also considering playing for his home country of Cameroon, if Cameroon were to advance through a final Olympic qualifier. He announced his choice to represent the U.S. in Philadelphia, where he’s a member of the NBA’s 76ers.

Reigning NBA MVP Embiid had recently been given a deadline of Oct. 10 to decide whether he wanted to accept an offer to play for France.

“It was a tough decision,” the 7-foot, 280-pound Embiid said. “I was trying to take my time as much as possible, but it was kind of made hard by the deadline that I was put (on). But I’m happy with it (the decision).”

A portion of Embiid’s Thursday news conference was posted on X by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Obviously I love all three options, with my home country which I love a lot, but I really want to participate in the Olympics,” Embiid said. “That’s been my goal and my dream. You add that my son is an American and I’ve been here such a long time …

“I feel the past few years every decision I’ve made has been based on just family — my family, my son. Having a chance to represent the U.S., my son being born here ... Loving my home country, but ultimately I really want to play in the Olympics.”

Embiid’s son, Arthur, was born in the U.S. in 2020.

According to ESPN.com, Embiid informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill of his decision Thursday morning.

“It’s exciting for USA Basketball that Joel Embiid wants to represent the United States,” Hill said Thursday in a statement reported by ESPN.com. “Joel and I have had several conversations about his goals. And I’m looking forward to continuing that dialogue knowing that one of those goals is to represent USA Basketball next summer in Paris.”

The U.S. squad figures to be another Dream Team, of sorts.

Former NBA MVPs LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have expressed interest in playing. The U.S. this summer, without those stars, failed to medal in its second consecutive World Cup, the first time that has happened since 1970.

France, which finished 18th at the 2023 World Cup, owns an automatic berth to the Olympics as the host nation. Cameroon has yet to qualify but is still in the running for a spot.

Embiid played high school basketball in Florida before spending one year with the Jayhawks (2013-14). He is a six-time NBA All-Star but he has yet to play in an Olympic Games.