European Prospects

With the U20 European Championship starting this Thursday in Croatia, the French magazine Basketnews spoke with Head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane who commented on every player of his roster. As France has not decided already who are the 12 players that will be present, there may be some changes to definitive list for the Championship.

Lens Aboudou (1m92 – 1990) : He is a penetration player, very active, and he should give us energy on both ends of the court.

Andrew Albicy (1m78 – 1990) : He is the key-player of our team because of his speed, his ability to re-launch the team and take shots.

Maxime Courby (2m03 – 1990) : A small forward who can give us a good defensive effort and who can create his shot but also play the intervals.

Alexandre Gavrilovic (2m08 – 1991) : A player unknown to lots of people, good defender on the man and very good hands. He has the mobility we need from a big guy. He plays the low post but can also step out.

William Hervé (2m02 – 1990) : William has very good court-vision, good defensive positioning and he is able to hit the important shots.

Henri Kahudi (1m93 – 1991) : We saw what he is able to do during the LNB Finals (13 minutes, 4pts, 2rebs). We expect from him playmaking skills because of his experience, similar to Andrew. He can defend hard on the main and is good in the intervals.

Paul Lacombe (1m93 – 1990): He is the guy who can bring the “little plus”. He is able to create his shot, attack the basket and launch the fast break. He can control the tempo and is a good defender.

Nicolas Lang (1m96 – 1990) : Nicolas, we know him. He is our shooter, the guy who can take the big shots. He needs a good ball circulation to serve him as he is a very performing player coming of the screen.

Joffrey Lauvergne (2m07 – 1991) : With his versatility and court-vision, he helps us a lot. He is able to play close to the basket but also step out and play from outside.

Christophe Léonard (1m99 – 1990) : A physical and athletic Small Forward. He can bring a lot by his drives but he can also post-up, take some shots and play defense.

Ferdinand Prenom (2m03 – 1991) : An efficient inside player who operates close to the basket with good hands. He is also very good in rebounding. He is a determined person and always gives 100%.

Jonathan Rousselle (1m94 – 1990) : An excellent PG for Pick and Roll situations. He is also a player to make the big shots. »

Alexis Tanghe (2m07 – 1990) : One of our main players who has the versatility to play close to the basket and organize the gam. He is very technical and plays with finesse. We expect a lot from him in rebounding situations. He is on the same level than the best European players of his generation.

Mickael Var (2m05 – 1990) : A PF with a lot of energy and really mobile which gives us the possibility to be very present in the rebound and the intervals.