Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2014 September 10

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September 10

French national team official jerseys

I've watched the opening game of the current World Cup against Brazil and I thought its just a one-off, but I've noticed that they played in the same type of sleeved jerseys against Spain, as well. Is it not much harded for players to move hands freely with such jerseys? One would say not, as they are currently in the quarter-final, but it makes me wonder why all other national teams have sleevless jerseys then? If it had any advantages to wear football-style shirt, would America or Spain use those ones? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.175.117.49 (talk) 04:56, 10 September 2014 (UTC)

I don't have the answer, but the question concerns the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. --Xuxl (talk) 11:23, 10 September 2014 (UTC)

Teams don't always make decisions based on what is best for the players on the court, with regard to the style and quality of jerseys. These decisions are made most often by sports marketing departments based on what will sell to the general public, and thus make the most money. The shirts worn by France this year are pretty unremarkable, considering some of the odd experimental uniforms tried in the past. OIn 1989, the NC State Wolfpack experimented with basketball unitards. The players refused to wear them, and insisted on wearing shorts over them, as they were a bit too revealing. See [1] and [2] and [3]. --Jayron32 12:17, 10 September 2014 (UTC)

Obviously my theory that its a disadvantage proved to be right as my little country defeated the french in the semis tonight! Anyhow, thank you for your answer. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.105.31.143 (talk) 01:38, 13 September 2014 (UTC)

There's more to sports success than jersey style. If that made the difference, then they weren't good enough to win with any jersey, anyways. --Jayron32 01:43, 13 September 2014 (UTC)