Par
Maxime Pernet
Published on
Nov 12, 2024 at 12:28 p.m.
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On the Sables Vendée Basket (LSVB) training floor, instructions are given in French, but for several weeks, the language of Shakespeare has also been used.
And for good reason, among the players is now Branden Maughmer, an American with great potential, that the club recruited at the very end of the transfer period but who landed on French soil after all the preparation matches.
“At first it was a little difficult to understand how everyone played, because'They were already training together a month before I arrived. I tried to find my place,” says the latter.
Quickly, however, everyone got along well, and Maughmer begins to perform in his first matches.
“I was exhausted,” he recalls with a laugh.
Rapid integration in the field, but also within the group. A point that is not always easy, when you are last, especially when there is also the language barrier.
“When I arrived, I didn’t speak a word of French. That was probably the hardest part. But everyone has been great to me. They did everything to integrate me, they were there to check that I lacked nothing. »
And true family spirit which has been built, and which is also seen in training. There is always a teammate not far from him, ready to translate the exchanges for him so that he is not isolated.
The touch of madness
Coming to Les Sables-d'Olonne, it was moreover its first in France, after having been in Germany for a while.
“From France, I only knew Paris,” explains Maughmer, who nevertheless adapted very well to his new home.
I think my favorite thing here is the beach. I'm from Ohio, and we don't have any there. »
Naturally, one might wonder what made him come here, when he has no ties.
“I want to continue to play in ever tougher championships, with better teammates, from whom I can learn things and from whom I can also learn”
And with its very intense format, the NM1 was the perfect candidate. He chose LSVB after speaking with François Sence.
“He explained to me that I would have an important role in his team, and that my profile would fit very well with the others. It really gave me confidence. »
A vision of the coach which proved to be correct, since from the first matches, Branden Maughmer, fast, incisive in his movements and decisionsdonned the cape reserved for him.
It must also be said that he brings a game that is greatly different from what we are used to seeing in NM1, and which can be explained by the cultural difference between Europe and the United States.
” It is much more physical in Europe, but also much slower. In America, it's more one-on-one. Me, I try to play quickly, get the ball up quickly. »
Reach the heights
Today, Branden Maughmer wants to continue to progress, individually but also as a group.
” I think that I'm at 90% of what I can provide. » This remaining march, he works on it ardently. Among the last to stop shooting after training, he leaves nothing to chance to achieve his goals (and his dream, like many, of the NBA).
In NM1, the ambition for the moment is to leave nothing to the other teams.
“The results do not reflect our level. We're only just beginning to understand what we can do as a group. Playing together, I think we are one of the best teams in the league. »
What is clear is that he is not here to peel lemons. And the fact that he has already been placed in the major five of NM1 only proves it. “I’ve never played on a losing team. I just want to win. »
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