after the victory in Poitiers against Cyprus, Frédéric Fauthoux lays the foundations of the French team

France : 85
Chypre : 70

Almost two months after his appointment as coach of the France team, Frédéric Fauthoux ended his very short first international window at the head of the reigning double Olympic champion team with a victory, this Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Arena Futuroscope of Chasseneuil-du-Poitou (Vienna) against Cyprus, in front of more than 5,000 spectators. After a first success on Thursday in Nicosia (59-75), still within the framework of qualifying for the Euro.

Beyond the raw, logical results, facing the 82^e world nation, the successor of Vincent Collet was especially expected on the playing philosophy that he wishes to put in place. “This window was busy, important in building the future”confirmed the 51-year-old Landes technician.

“We try to put principles in place”

With a private team of NBA players but also Euroleague, fielding a single vice Olympic champion in the person of captain Andrew Albicy, and trusting young French talents like Nolan Traoré and Noa Essengue, both 17 years old, the copies, muddled , delivered Thursday and Sunday could be annotated with the words « passable ».

Understandable with less than a week of living together. “We worked with the players but also, for the first time, with the staff. We try to put principles in place. We had four practices before the first match. But as soon as we played, it made it possible to provide individual and collective video feedback to further explain where we wanted to go. »

Perhaps a little frustrating for a coach used to working over time at his club in Bourg-en-Bresse, in Betclic Élite. « Nonhe retorts. We are preparing for that. Players at this level are expected to do things a little faster than at club level. And, when you see that after two training sessions, things appear, it's a satisfaction. »

However, we will have to wait to see the « basket total » advocated by Fauthoux. Even if we could see some beginnings of it during the confrontations against Cyprus. In terms of defensive hardness, in sequences, or in the passing game (20 assists Thursday, 25 Sunday). “If we want to have danger everywhere, if the ball moves, it will be difficult to read. »

And remember the positive. Even if qualification is not yet assured due to Croatia's defeat in Bosnia (110-90). “The primary objective was not there. These international windows are tricky. Slovenia lost, Greece too. We managed to launch players while winning. We tested associations to see boys in other situations, some that we hadn't even made in training. »

An element like Axel Bouteille scored points. “He has incredible basketball skills. » But will he be at the next meeting in February (Croatia – France, on the 21st, then France – Bosnia, on the 24th) when the Euroleague players should, this time, be there? “There will be the issue of qualification. We will want to build a successful group for February, but also for this summer and the future”concludes Fauthoux.

The sheet

Quart temps : 28-14, 19-20, 21-24, 17-12.
Referees: Mme Györgyi and MM. Ciulin and Tomasovic.
Spectators: 5.000 environ.
France : Traoré (8), Dessert (7), Makoundou (11), Lang (0), Mokoka (8) then Albicy (5), Benitez (5), Noua (14), Bouteille (15), Essengue (2), Pensa (6), Lacombe (4).
Chypre : Simitzis (12), Koumis (3), Tigkas (18), Stylianou (4), Willis (18) puis Loizides, Muosa, Pasiali, Michail (2), Iliadis (5), Jung (8) Giannaras.