Louis Lesmond explains his Harvard departure: « I’m making a 100% basketball decision »
March 17, 2025
Pierre-Louis Lunark
Louis Lesmond joins Fordham after his time at Harvard
NCAA - French player Louis Lesmond, formerly at Harvard, joins Fordham's NCAA program to complete his university career. The shooter from Var aims to bring his shooting skills, defense and experience to his new coach, Mike Magpayo.
Photo Credit : Fordham University
Louis Lesmond (6’6″, 23 years old) continues his NCAA journey on the East Coast of the United States. The French shooter from Var has committed to Fordham University after spending several seasons at Harvard. Known for his long-range shooting and defensive stability, he will bring a European touch and true leadership to a team seeking renewal under Mike Magpayo’s guidance.
Cambridge ➡️ NYC
Welcome to the Bronx, Louis Lesmond‼️
📰 https://t.co/2UwNz2XHHe pic.twitter.com/LRlqt62GsW
— Fordham Basketball (@FordhamMBB) May 12, 2025
Louis Lesmond: An NCAA career marked by consistency and resilience
After attending Evanston Township High and Notre Dame College Prep before joining Harvard, Louis Lesmond has had a solid college career. Despite an injury that kept him off the court during his sophomore year, he established himself as a reliable and complete player, particularly during the 2023-2024 season. That year, he posted his best college statistics with 9.8 points per game, shooting 38.7% from the field and 37.9% from 3-point range on more than 6 attempts per game.
His consistency in long-range shooting (2.4 three-pointers per game, 5th in the Ivy League) made him one of the conference’s best shooters. In addition to his accuracy, the 2021 U19 World Championship silver medalist distinguished himself through his defensive discipline, earning him the team’s best defender award this season.
A new challenge at Fordham
Fordham University, located in the Bronx, New York, recently welcomed Mike Magpayo as head of its men’s program. The former UC Riverside coach is focusing on internationalizing his roster, as he explained: « Louis continues our international approach. He brings defensive length, shooting, athleticism, but most importantly real intelligence and leadership, » he stated in the university’s press release.
The Paris native will have the opportunity to play a major role with the Rams, an Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) program that’s often competitive and closely watched in the New York region. An ideal setting for a mature player like Lesmond, a Harvard graduate with European experience.
A French international player in constant progress
Louis Lesmond is no stranger to French basketball. With the youth national teams, he notably played in the U16 Euro in 2018 (averaging 6.3 points) and the U19 World Cup in 2021, where he won silver alongside Victor Wembanyama. He averaged 7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in that competition.
With this new chapter in the Bronx, David Lesmond’s son can further enrich his experience in a competitive environment, perhaps looking ahead to a professional future on the international stage.
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