Frédéric Fauthoux before his EuroBasket debut: « With our youth and enthusiasm, we can do great things »

Frédéric Fauthoux is preparing for his first official game as head coach of the French national team in a major international competition. In Katowice, where France begins their EuroBasket campaign this Thursday against Belgium, the head coach reflected on the summer preparation and adjustments made. Confident but cautious, he emphasizes collective strength and the importance of remaining vigilant against a Belgium team known for their outside shooting.

« The greater the challenges, the stronger the group became »

Speaking to journalists, Frédéric Fauthoux didn’t hide his eagerness: « I haven’t felt this way in a long time. Since when? 2005, even though I was on the other side then (as a player), but this moment where time doesn’t pass quickly enough before the first game. » Despite preparation disrupted by withdrawals, the coach believes the team has gained maturity through friendly matches: « With the mindset that players have created among themselves, I feel that the more challenges we faced, the stronger the group became. This is often how it goes – in difficult times, you see everyone’s character, both individual and collective, emerge. Until now, the group has responded very positively to everything. We’ve adapted to our circumstances. »

Team dynamics remain central to his message. Fauthoux emphasizes the positive attitude shown by his players: « This is a group that doesn’t complain, has real cohesion, and respects each other. »

The deliberate choice of small ball

Without certain big men, the French team had to adapt their game. « We had imagined one style of play, but with Vincent’s (Poirier) injury, for example, we had to adapt our approach. So far, it’s working. » With only one true center, Mam’ Jaiteh – Alexandre Sarr being more of a stretch five – playing small-ball has become more than just an option for France. It’s now a necessity, at least in stretches, which has had positive consequences for the French game. The coach fully embraces it: « It’s a weapon many teams use today. With our size homogeneity at certain positions, we can cause problems for some teams. »

This shift toward more mobility and outside shooting offers more offensive variety, though Fauthoux warns: the proof will be on the court.

Belgium, a tricky first opponent

The French coach doesn’t underestimate the challenge of the opening game: « Belgium is a team that shoots a lot of three-pointers. And on a day when they’re hitting, it can hurt. » Several Belgian players who have played in Betclic ÉLITE will need watching, like Ismael Bako (Paris Basketball), Mamadou Guissé (Limoges), Loïc Schwartz (Saint-Quentin), Manu Lecomte (ex-Pau), Kevin Tumba (ex-Fos), Andy Van Vliet (ex-BCM), and Hans Vanwijn (formerly of Dijon, among others).

The coach also acknowledges the uncertainty of a tournament’s first game: between pressure and excitement, his young French team needs to find the right balance.

Ambitious but grounded

Considered one of the favorites behind Germany and Serbia, France accepts this status without excess. « It’s flattering to be rated so highly. But with our youth and enthusiasm, we can do great things, » emphasizes Fauthoux.

While he obviously dreams of a long run, the coach prefers to stay focused on the essentials: team spirit and progression throughout the competition.

In Katowice,