Missing out the services of court general Tony Parker, France looked for a scoring option that could easily fill the gap of the all-star point guard, who won another championship with the San Antonio Spurs at the previous NBA season.

Completing the 12-man lineup of the Les Bleus is Edwin Jackson, a known scoring threat and the French league's most valuable player, whom national team coach Vincent Collet picked over tough defender Charles Kahudi.

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"Tony Parker's absence and the modifications on the interior with the absence of (Alexis) Ajinca led to us to go for a more offensive profile of the team," the coach told FIBA.com.

Jackson is no stranger to the international circuit, suiting up for the Les Bleus for the team's 2010 FIBA World campaign in Turkey. He, however, missed the three succeeding team.

After the past season with Asvel, Jackson suited up with the Boston Celtics for the NBA summer league. He is set to return to Asvel, whom he led to the championship, for upcoming season.

France has been on a winning streak in the international campaign, winning tune up games against Belgium, Croatia, and Greece, only to lose against Serbia. Last week, the Les Bleus escaped a tough stand from the Philippines, owing to the heroics of star forward Nicolas Batum.

Batum scored 16 points and pulled 11 boards as France mounted a 14-6 rally late in the fourth quarter to outlast the Philippines, which is making a return to the international stage after missing out for almost four decades.

Another important addition to France is Parker's best friend and teammate Boris Diaw, who had insurance issues in the past month.

"He needs to play," said Collet when asked about whether the team could afford missing the services of Diaw, an effective swingman and a pinpoint passer who has flourished with the Spurs and the system of San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich.

Asked how he felt about finally suiting up for the national team, Diaw said: "I'm always relieved, even though at no time have I been too worried.

"Administration details always take time. I am happy because I want to play," he continued.

France is in Group A, which will play in Seville. They are facing hosts Spain, Serbia, Brazil, Iran and Egypt.

TagsFIBA World Cup, FIBA World Cup of Basketball, Spain