First Team: Sylvain Francisco, the undisputed starting point guard for the French national team? Paul Lacombe gives clues

The French national team came away with a 2-0 record against Hungary, but not without some scares. The first game, in Szombathely, turned into a trap: pressure to win, a scrappy opponent, and a clutch shot from Sylvain Francisco to secure a 74-71 victory. Two days later, at Antarès (Le Mans), the scenario was much more comfortable (98-79). Invited by Thomas Dufant and Erwan Abautret for the First Team show, Paul Lacombe shared behind-the-scenes stories from a FIBA window that’s always unique… while almost inadvertently fueling the debate about the hierarchy at point guard.

A « trap » window that tests the nerves

Paul Lacombe (1.95m, 35 years old) describes a classic of these gatherings: « the beginning of windows, it’s training sessions to the death », then the tension that builds as game time approaches. The context of the trip to Hungary intensified everything: « you have a kind of pressure building… a mandatory victory, but with style ». And when Hungary fights back, French pride takes a hit: « your pride, it takes a blow… We had to hit a buzzer-beater to win this game ».

In contrast, the trip to Le Mans felt like a much more normal game, with a more relaxed French side that quickly built a lead.

Sylvain Francisco, the point guard everyone is now watching

The show centered on one key question: should Sylvain Francisco (1.85m, 28 years old) become the established starting point guard? Erwan Abautret argues in favor, pointing to the player’s evolution — no longer just an explosive scorer, but a true floor general capable of “running the shop” at the highest level. On the show, he highlighted Francisco’s all-around profile, his defensive pressure, and his ability to create mismatches.

Paul Lacombe didn’t commit to a fixed role, instead bringing the discussion back to the reality of major tournaments: “the truth is, it will be about how the guys adapt to Victor.” In other words, the hierarchy will likely take shape once the NBA core returns and Victor Wembanyama enters the picture — when roles, minutes, and late-game responsibilities will have to be sorted out.

The symbol of modern windows: arriving exhausted… and deciding the game

Lacombe also points to what this window reveals about the 2026 version of Francisco: a player in demand, tired, but already central. He arrived straight from a EuroLeague game: « you see Sylvain… exhausted… ‘I’m happy to be here guys, but I’m dead’. » And almost immediately, he became the team’s reference point: « suddenly a lot of things rest on him. »

With limited chemistry and a group still under construction, Francisco ends up acting as the compass. Lacombe illustrates it with a telling image — the guy who shows up at a pickup run and everyone instantly organizes around him. And beyond that image lies the simple reality: despite the fatigue, despite the context, he still hits the shot that saves France.

Lacombe, the group’s « glue guy, » and those who raised their Stock

Among the clear winners of the window, First Team highlights Amine Noua, highly productive in both games, and Adam Mokoka, whose defensive profile and athletic impact stand out in an already crowded perimeter rotation.

And now? A hierarchy to confirm this summer

The debate over Francisco as the « undisputed starter » will remain open until the French national team has its full roster back. But this window offered a clear trend: in a tricky game, with few collective references, the staff leaned on Sylvain Francisco — and he delivered.

This summer, with more players available and the challenge of integrating Victor Wembanyama, should bring clearer answers.