Frédéric Fauthoux before his EuroBasket debut: « With our youth and enthusiasm, we can achieve great things »
August 27, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Jaylen Hoard, an X-factor for France in his first competition: « I try to contribute what I can »
Called up for his first Euro with the French national team, Jaylen Hoard will make his international competition debut with France this Thursday against Belgium. The power forward, who played in the United States and has been in Europe these past few 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 then 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 thoughts on 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 attack, we find each other in spaces. The energy is positive. We manage to communicate well and encourage each other. I think that’s the strength of the group: we can talk to each other 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 big men to showcase his qualities during preparation. « Freddy [Fauthoux] told me he wanted me to bring a lot on the defensive end, energy. Otherwise, just play like I do with my club. Game after game, I’ve adapted well, » says the power forward.
While still a « rookie » on the international stage, 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 very well, 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 big man is on his way to earning his place at @EuroBasket with France 💪 #TeamFranceBasket | #PassionnémentBleu | #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/cte0wf9MW3
— French Basketball Teams (@FRABasketball) August 15, 2025
After leaving the G-League to start his European career in Israel, he 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 has now established him as a very good EuroLeague player. An important step before this first major appointment with France.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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