Kane Milling is « really very happy » to return to France
Kane Milling (6’5″, 24 years old) returns to France. After his first pro experience with Vrsac in Serbia, the French-American shooting guard/small forward has chosen Levallois (NM1) for the upcoming season. A decision that delights him. « I’m really happy, » he declares. This homecoming is far from insignificant. « First, I wanted to be closer to my family, who currently lives in Hyères (Hyères-Toulon), » Kane tells us. « I also wanted to make myself known in the country. » A goal he’s committed to. « After being away for about seven years, hardly anyone really knows me anymore, » he admits.
The Paris region club’s interest didn’t leave Kane indifferent. « They contacted me very early, around mid-May, » he reveals. « They have a great project and I immediately liked the coach. » Coached by Sacha Giffa (father of Kezza Giffa), the Metropolitans finished the 2024-2025 season in fourth place in Pool A, with 15 wins and 11 losses. « They aim for very high level, » says the Var native. « It’s a club with lots of ambition. » Milling joins an ambitious dynamic. He won’t be the only reinforcement: Levallois has also recruited Maxence Dadiet (Berck) and Jayson Tchicamboud (ASA).
Kane shares this mindset. « My goal is to win with this team, I hate losing, » he states. But that’s not all: « I want to prove to everyone in France that I have talent, » the French-American asserts. Thanks to his experiences in the United States and Serbia, he knows what he can bring. « I’m here to create for others. »
The American Experience
After Hyères-Toulon and Limoges, Kane went to the United States in 2019. He played at the University of Nevada then UC Davis, where he completed his program in 2024. « It was quite hard at first, » he notes. Used to being « the key player » on his teams with the ball in his hands, he saw his role change. « I played with very high-level players, but I had to stick to my role to get playing time and make my place, » he explains.
As a young player, he had to establish himself as a European in the United States. « They all have this perception that we’re not athletic or that we’re soft, » he indicates. « I had to fight sometimes during practice to prove I wasn’t soft. »
He finished his college career with a senior season averaging 10 points on 41.4% shooting, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. His departure was also motivated by studies. « I was thinking more about life after basketball, » he notes. « The problem in France is that young players must choose between continuing basketball and continuing studies. » This experience shaped him. « I was alone and it helped me grow as a man and as a player, » he points out. He became more rigorous, perseverant, and disciplined. « There, I understood that just practicing with the team wasn’t enough, » Kane assures. « During my first month, I saw that all 14 players on my team stayed about an hour and a half after practice, » he submits. « And that was the norm. »
« I completely understand »: About young French players leaving for NCAA
Next season, several French players will join the NCAA: Roman Domon (Murray State), Evan Boisdur (Grand Canyon), Wilson Jacques and Bastien Rieber (Fresno State), to name a few. A situation that doesn’t surprise Kane. « I completely understand, » he acknowledges. « For a young player, there’s no other comparable experience. » The coaching and facilities attract young players, not to mention the new compensation opportunities. « It’s truly a unique experience, » Kane confesses.
« I didn’t know what to expect »: About his arrival in Serbia
After the American intensity, Kane started his pro career at Vrsac, Serbia. « I didn’t know what to expect, » he certifies. He was quickly surprised. « We had two, three practices a day, lasting three hours, » he claims. « In this league, players play with tenacity. » But beyond intensity, one thing struck him: basketball IQ. « All players knew every position in every system, » he asserts.
He also faced challenges there. « I got injured twice there, » he states. « It affected me a lot because I didn’t know if they would cut me or not. » In Serbia, the legal framework is different. The championship isn’t part of FIBA, clubs have more freedom in their management. Despite this, Kane adapted and his team won the national title.
Specific Goals
Now, his objective is clear: « play at the highest possible level. » He wants to improve and face experienced opponents. « I play better when I’m against players stronger than me, » he assures. But he knows he still needs to work. « I need to become a better leader and improve athletically, » he claims. « I also need to be more consistent with my outside shot. »
Kane knows his career won’t last forever. With a degree in psychology, he’s thinking about the future. « After my career, I’d like to be a psychologist, but for athletes, or maybe a coach, » he proclaims. A subject close to his heart. « The problem is that sports psychology is taboo, » he says. « I saw players in college quit their sport because they couldn’t handle it anymore. » But before that, focus is on preparation for next season.
Commentaires