Frédéric Fauthoux on Luka Doncic: « We will focus on lowering all his percentages »
After a convincing start against Belgium (92-64), the French team faces another challenge this Saturday (5pm): Slovenia’s Luka Doncic (6’7″, 26 years old). Defeated by the same opponent in the group stage of EuroBasket 2022, Les Bleus know the danger posed by the Slovenian superstar, even though his team lost Thursday against host country Poland. On the eve of the match, head coach Frédéric Fauthoux shared his keys and impressions, with a specific plan in mind to limit the Los Angeles Lakers player’s influence.
« The team’s physical condition is very good »
On the eve of this crucial Group D match, Frédéric Fauthoux gave an initial assessment: « The team’s physical condition is very good. As you could see, we were also able to distribute playing time yesterday. So it allowed us to have a good little practice today. »
A wide rotation, embraced by the coach: « I think we have a quality group with a lot of talent and we need all players to be involved from start to finish. […] If all players perform well in their allotted playing time, whether it’s 5, 25 or 30 minutes, I think we’ll be much harder to read for teams trying to scout us. And we can maintain the intensity we want for 40 minutes. »
With 34 PTS, 9 AST & 5 STL, Luka Doncic is the first player in the recorded #EuroBasket history combining for 30+ points, 5+ assists and 5+ steals 🇸🇮 pic.twitter.com/H8TBLmTW8H
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025
« I haven’t seen anyone who can stop Doncic yet »
Asked about Slovenia, who lost to Poland in their opener, Frédéric Fauthoux didn’t fail to highlight his opponent’s major asset, Luka Doncic: « I haven’t seen anyone in the world who can stop him yet, so if you have the key, you can give it to me. »
The French strategy will be clear: « What we’re going to focus on is lowering all his percentages. Making his percentages lower, making his creation for others less effective. And trying to wear him down as much as possible without letting others (be effective). We can’t allow another player, besides him, to be extremely strong. »
The head coach didn’t want to reveal more about his defensive plan, which could involve either focusing heavily on the former Mavs star or preventing other players from shining: « We have our idea (smiles). We’ll test it tomorrow. I’ll share it tomorrow. »
« Irritated or not irritated, he’s very good »
The Slovenians are known for their expressive character on the court, often towards referees, which the French coach didn’t fail to point out: « It’s something they all show regularly. […] I believe it’s up to us not to fall into that game. For them, it creates less flow, less serenity at certain moments. But in any case, it’s less visible with Luka Doncic because he also needs that to perform. Him, anyway, I feel whether he’s irritated or not irritated, he’s very good. »
« He was 15 and he was playing »
Finally, Freddy Fauthoux shared a more personal anecdote, a memory with his children: « I saw him when he first played for Real Madrid, when Baptiste and Marine and I went to see Real. Since he’s Baptiste’s age, we said: ‘Look, he’s 15 and he’s playing’ (laughs). And well, they were right to play him very early. »
In Katowice,
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