« He’s an offensive genius »: Rasheed Sulaimon reunites with former coach Frédéric Fauthoux and JL Bourg
Rasheed Sulaimon (6’4″, 31 years old) reunites with JL Bourg this Friday in EuroCup, two days before the Bourg team hosts Nanterre in Betclic ELITE. Having played for JL Bourg in 2021-2022, the American guard returns to Ekinox wearing the colors of Buducnost Podgorica, now well-established in the competition.
In Le Progrès, he discusses his time in Ain, his relationship with Frédéric Fauthoux, and the presence of two Frenchmen alongside him this season, Axel Bouteille and Jerry Boutsiele.
Frédéric Fauthoux, a coach for whom he has great respect
In Bourg-en-Bresse, Rasheed Sulaimon will return to a club and arena he knows well, having played there in 2021-2022. The former Dijon player experienced a frustrating season under Laurent Legname, whom he had previously played for at JDA. At Ekinox, he will also reunite with his former Levallois coach, Frédéric Fauthoux. Often injured, he wasn’t able to perform under the conditions he wanted with the Metropolitans, but maintains genuine respect for the French national team coach. He shares a few words about him, calling him « an offensive genius » and explaining he had « good times with him, » despite a difficult year.
He also emphasizes his only regret: not being able to play « a full season at full strength. » Destiny took its course, he says, and Friday’s reunion makes him smile: « It’s funny how life works. »
A confident Sulaimon in EuroCup with Buducnost
Since his time in Bourg-en-Bresse, Rasheed Sulaimon has solidly established himself in the EuroCup landscape. With Buducnost Podgorica, he displays impressive consistency: 12 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the Adriatic League, and 11 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in EuroCup.
With his stabilized role and an ambitious team around him, the American arrives at Ekinox with a different status… and high objectives, as he aims to win the title in EuroLeague’s second division.
SLAM ALERT 🚨
Rasheed Sulaimon turning Yogi Ferrell’s pass into fireworks 😤@KKBuducnostVOLI | #RoadToGreatness pic.twitter.com/evzt8Ic2C3
— BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) November 18, 2025
Two Frenchmen at his side: the importance of Bouteille and Boutsiele
The Texan particularly enjoys playing with Axel Bouteille and Jerry Boutsiele. He’s known the former for a long time and highlights « a very talented scorer » with « a beautiful jump shot, » but also a quiet worker who « leads by example. »
For Boutsiele, he mentions « positive energy » and an extroverted player who drives the team daily. These two Frenchmen, he emphasizes, have a real impact both through their play and their personality.
A special evening at Ekinox
Between reuniting with a crowd he knows, facing a former coach he respects, and his established EuroCup status, Rasheed Sulaimon will experience a special moment Friday night. JL Bourg, for their part, will have their work cut out for them to contain a complete, experienced… and motivated Montenegrin team.
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