Jaylen Hoard, an X-factor for France in his first competition: « I try to contribute what I can »
Called up for his first EuroBasket with the French national team, Jaylen Hoard will discover international competition with France this Thursday against Belgium. The power forward, who played in the United States and has been in Europe these past seasons, discusses his role, the team's spirit and his eagerness before the big departure.
Photo Credit : Guillaume Poumarede
At 26, Jaylen Hoard is about to experience a major first: his first official competition with France’s senior national team. The former Wake Forest player, who left France in 2016 to continue his career in the United States before experiencing the NBA and the Israeli league, is now fully integrated into the French squad. Calm, hardworking and appreciated for his team-first mentality, he should be a valuable complement to Guerschon Yabusele in the frontcourt rotation. On the eve of the first game against Belgium, he shared his mindset and that of the team.
« We all get along very well off the court »
Since the beginning of preparation, Jaylen Hoard has noticed the progress of the French team, which has undergone a real renewal this year after the Olympic silver medal. « Defensively, I think we help each other well. Even in offense, we find each other in spaces. The energy is positive. We manage to say the right things, to encourage each other. I think that’s the strength of the group: we can communicate well and help each other, » he explains.
This spirit of camaraderie is also felt off the court: « The group cohesion is very good, we all get along very well. It helps on the court. »
A defensive and energetic role
Hoard has taken advantage of the absence of certain interior players to show his qualities during preparation. « Freddy [Fauthoux] told me he wanted me to bring a lot in the defensive aspect, energy. Then, just to play like I play with my club. Game after game, I adapted well, » says the power forward.
While still a « rookie » on the international scene, he also intends to contribute through his experience gained in the NBA and Europe. « I’m not treated like a rookie, but not like a veteran either. I try to contribute what I can, and especially to learn because I haven’t played in an official competition yet, » he says.
Against Belgium, a « good challenge »
For his official debut, France will face Belgium. « It’s going to be a good challenge because it’s the first game, so there will be a lot of emotions. I know some players I played against in Israel. It will be a good test, » judges Hoard.
The Hérault native isn’t putting any particular pressure on himself despite the excitement of this first game: « Honestly, I’m not stressed. I can’t wait to start the games. I try to stay in the present moment and not project too far ahead. »
A player still unknown to the French public
Having been away from the French championship for a long time, Jaylen Hoard is aware that the French public is discovering him through this gathering. « I know they don’t know me much, since I play abroad. But the fact that they’re discovering my game and appreciating it, that’s nice, » he confides.
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 👀 Jaylen Hoard
After long flirting with the national team as a practice partner and during windows, the interior player is about to earn his place at the @EuroBasket with France 💪#TeamFranceBasket | #PassionnémentBleu | #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/cte0wf9MW3
— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) August 15, 2025
After leaving the G-League to start his European career in Israel, he has found new meaning in his career. « I really wanted to play in a championship to win, not just be in a secondary role in the NBA. That’s what I managed to do in Israel, » he explains. A journey that now allows him to be recognized as a very good EuroLeague player. An important step before this first major appointment with France.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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