HELSINKI (FIBA U20 European Championship 2016) – Fighting to retain top-flight status is not a situation associated with French basketball teams, at any level.

But despite a tough run of results, France guard Elie-Franck Okobo is relishing his first taste of international competition at the FIBA U20 European Championship.

"It’s a beautiful experience," said Okobo, who is averaging 19 points-per-game after six outings in Helsinki, Finland.

"We have got better since the beginning of the competition.

"It’s very good because we play against very good players and we learn, we learn, we learn. It helps us to improve going into the next stage of our career."

Based on what he has learned over the course of the competition so far, the sharp-shooting guard feels it is "the mental aspect" of his game, which requires most attention.

This is something that will no doubt be closely monitored as he enters the new season having signed his first professional deal with FIBA Europe Cup club Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

It is a step the guard cannot wait to take, and one that has fuelled his desire to perform for his country too. 

"I am very excited," he said. "I signed this contract at the beginning of the preparation for this tournament and this is a good way for me to go into next season and I hope to get playing time within the professional team."

The 19-year-old certainly appears to have the makings of a pro. 

With the ability to breeze by defenders seemingly at will, and a silky shooting stroke that has seen him connect on 15 of 33 three-point attempts during the competition, he has been a driving force for France.

He poured in 23 points against Finland to extend his team’s battle for Division A survival to the final day, and with his age allowing him opportunity to play at U20 level again next year, he is desperate for another taste of this 'beautiful experience'.

"We need one more game, one more win to stay in Division A.

"It’s very important for us, for France as a country, for the federation. 

"I am a 1997 and I want to play in Division A again and improve."

To do so, Okobo and France must overcome Hungary in a relegation decider on Sunday.

FIBA