Orleans retains several key players: Negrobar, Thirouard-Samson and Houmounou
Orleans retains several key players: Negrobar, Thirouard-Samson and Houmounou
June 7, 2025
Lilian Bordron
Interview with Ludovic Negrobar, Orleans pillar: « Being captain of an ambitious team is what motivates me every day »
Leader of Orleans Loiret Basket and captain of a young but ambitious roster, Ludovic Negrobar provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025-2026 season. Between collective goals, personal development, ELITE 2 level and team identity to consolidate, the Orleans forward details the keys to staying at the top of the standings.
Photo Credit : Tuan Nguyen
Ludovic Negrobar (2.08m, 34 years old) moves forward with the perspective of experience. At Orleans, where he plays a central role in the locker room and on the court, the French forward mentors a rising generation while remaining fully involved in the sports project. Competing this season in ELITE 2, he provides a precise assessment of a season that meets expectations but is still improvable as the group matures.
A controlled season, without hype or concern
For Ludovic Negrobar, Orleans’ current momentum follows a coherent logic despite two recent losses against Blois and SCABB. « The season is pretty decent so far, pretty good even, on track, meeting our objectives. »
Without trying to hide areas for improvement, the captain emphasizes the overall stability of the project. The team moves forward without rushing, aware that the roster’s youth involves learning phases. « There are always areas to improve because we’re a young group. »
In this context, the main challenge isn’t avoiding every mistake, but reducing their repetition over the weeks to reach a level of maturity compatible with the stated ambitions.
Position(s): Power Forward / Center
Height: 208 cm
Age: 34 years old (09/01/1991)
Nationality:
Stats 2025-2026 / ELITE 2
PTS
7.4
#131
REB
3.5
#88
AST
1.3
#142
Knowing how to react, even in difficult moments
The Orleans forward dismisses the idea of poorly managed crisis periods. « You might think we’re in a tough moment, but not at all. »
According to him, the group’s strength lies in its ability to quickly switch to the next opponent without getting stuck in negative analysis. « We easily switch to the opponent and correct our mistakes depending on the games. »
An essential quality in a long and demanding championship, where winning streaks and losses are both integral parts of the season.
An assumed captain’s role driving daily motivation
At Orleans, Ludovic Negrobar doesn’t settle for a symbolic armband. Being captain of an ambitious project involves constant responsibility. « It’s obviously a lot of responsibility, but truly with great pleasure. »
This daily demand is what fuels his motivation. « I prefer being captain and displaying clear ambitions like this. »
In a young collective, this role goes beyond the court: it’s also about maintaining high standards, managing difficult moments, and providing clear direction without ever losing sight of the common goal.
Shared experience serving the collective
While his captain status gives him a special place, Ludovic Negrobar emphasizes the collective contribution of experience within the group. Several seasoned players help structure the locker room and guide the younger ones.
For him, this diversity of profiles prevents excessive dependence on a single leader and strengthens the project’s solidity over time, especially in pivotal moments of the season.
Personal evolution built on discipline
Over the years, the French forward feels he’s reached a new level in how he approaches his profession. « I’ve evolved a lot in concentration, in game preparation. »
More than statistics, daily discipline has shaped his game. « I’m much more serious about this aspect of discipline. »
He also emphasizes the alignment between his profile and staff expectations, a key factor to staying performing and engaged.
An ELITE 2 denser than ever
As an experienced observer, Ludovic Negrobar notes a clear evolution in the championship. « There are no small teams. Anyone can beat anyone. »
The increased number of teams, the busier schedule, and better-prepared rosters make every game tricky. Add to this the emergence of many young talents capable of quickly imposing themselves at this level. A context that reinforces the value of structured and consistent collectives.
Asserting identity to reach a new level
For the rest of the season, the Orleans captain clearly identifies room for improvement. « Maturity, and asserting our identity even more. »
An identity based on defensive intensity and transition play, but which still needs to gain consistency. « We’re a team that likes to defend, that likes to run. »
Certain details, like rebounding control – a difficult task during the period without Nathan Kuta (2.05m, 25 years old) – will also need to be better mastered to transform collective potential into lasting results.
A mindset as guiding principle
Looking back at his career, Ludovic Negrobar highlights a constant. « I’ve always been a listener, always been a hard worker. »
Never setting limits for himself, he feels he built his career without regrets, giving his maximum everywhere he’s been. A mindset he now seeks to transmit, convinced that work and pleasure remain the best drivers of improvement. An improvement that, he hopes, will bring Orleans back to Betclic ELITE one day.
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