The former pivot of ADA Blois, Brice Dessert (2.11 m), had his first selection with the French team version of Frédéric Fauthoux. With the Blues from November 17 to 25, he participated in two qualifying matches – and two victories – for Euro 2025 against Cyprus.
Now at Sig Strasbourg, the 21-year-old interior player is off to a good start to the season (12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 15.4 rating on average). So much so that he is part of the France selection as a substitute for the LNB All Star Game on December 29 at the Accor Arena in Paris.
How was your first selection with the France A team?
“This first experience went well. There was a lot of new stuff in this window because we had a new coach and a new staff, lots of new players. It's a bit of a new era for the federation, it was a pleasure for me to participate. In addition, we won our two matches and like many, it is a source of pride for me to wear my country's jersey. »
Is there a difference between wearing the French youth and senior team jersey?
“Young people are good, it's a source of pride but when you wear it in the A team, you tell yourself that it's the world of the pros. It's not just your generation with guys your age. There are many more people supporting us and therefore more responsibilities. It's really nice, it actually has an extra effect. »
Brice Dessert played his first matches with the France A team in November.
© (Photo archives cor. NR, Alain Biais)
How did you find out you were selected?
“I learned it after the Coupe de France match against Nancy (October 16), straight away. The coach made his end-of-match speech and he came to see me. He asks me if I received a call, I tell him no. He tells me I will receive one. So I look at my phone and I see that I have three missed calls… from Pascal Donnadieu. I called him back and he told me the news that I was included in the French team. »
What was your first reaction when you heard it?
“It’s telling my parents. Firstly, to my father who was present at the Coupe de France match against Nancy, he was super happy. And I called my mother right away who was super happy too. It was just happiness. »
What does this selection represent?
“I was happy because I told myself that the work I put in every year is paying off. And it's not over, it's only the beginning but I tell myself that there is a result. I'm happy to play for my country and to have opened this door and I hope it lasts as long as possible. »
In total, in the two games against Cyprus, you scored 8 points, took 3 rebounds, made 2 blocks and 1 assist. Are you happy with your performance?
“Yes but I know that I could have done a lot more, I would have liked to do a lot better. But overall it's okay. I did and showed good things, the staff was satisfied with me but I know I can bring even more. I hope I have the opportunity to show them again in the future. »
How is your start to the season going in Strasbourg?
“It’s going pretty well. Once again, it shows that my work has paid off so I'm happy but not surprised, I work hard for it. Afterwards, there were two or three matches where I was a little less into it because there were lots of new things too. But overall it's a pretty good start to the season and I'm going to continue like this. »
What is your role in the team? Is it different than in Blois?
“I think that I have a greater status, that I have more responsibilities than at the ADA and therefore obviously there are more demands placed on me. In the end, I remain a basketball player so it doesn't matter Blois or Strasbourg, I have to perform whatever the status. »
How do you approach this new status?
“It’s an evolution in my career, a new chapter so you have to live it to the fullest. »
You withdrew your name from the 2024 draft, will you run again in 2025?
“It stays in the back of my mind. After all, it's my last year so I will be automatically eligible whether I register or not. For now, I'm mainly thinking about the season, that's the most important thing. »
Have you heard from your friend and ex-teammate at ADA Armel Traoré?
“We talk every day. I'm proud of him because it's a dream he's always had and he's making it come true. He started with the G-League and there he tested the NBA terrain, he scored his first points. I'm really happy for him, I hope it continues. He showed me the way, now I strive to perform so that I can achieve my goals. »
