Maledon – Cordinier, two struggling starters who know what they « can bring »

Part of France’s starting lineup since the end of preparation, Theo Maledon and Isaia Cordinier have been quiet since the start of EuroBasket. They’ve only played about 13 minutes on average in the first three games of the competition. Only Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (13 minutes) and Nadir Hifi (8.5 minutes) have played less among the French team.

« In two games out of three, I picked up two fouls pretty quickly, which disrupted my rhythm.« 

Theo Maledon, about his difficult start to the Euro

On the eve of France – Poland, both guards remained positive. « I’m simply trying to see what I can improve, what I know I can bring and must bring to the team, » Isaia Cordinier explained to us Monday evening after practice. « That means trying to create connections with teammates, keeping positive energy to help the team as much as possible. » For Theo Maledon, seen discussing with coach Frederic Fauthoux courtside at Spodek Arena minutes earlier, other adjustments need to be made to fulfill his expected role. « I need to be smarter. Already, in two games out of three, I picked up two fouls pretty quickly, which disrupted my rhythm. I’ll continue being myself. I know my qualities, what I can bring on the court. I just need to make sure I do it the right way with the right energy for the team.« 

In the past, Isaia Cordinier has managed to bounce back after quiet starts in international tournaments. « Though it would be better not to always wait for that, » admits the new Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard, who only played 7 minutes 43 against Israel. « I’ll try to bring some experience, maybe more leadership, » he continues, without questioning the collective game plan. Quite the opposite. « The system Freddy (Fauthoux) has us playing is rather simple and based on our qualities. » Perhaps his physical issues during preparation, causing him to miss two games (against Montenegro and Spain), didn’t help. « My preparation was a bit disrupted. I’m trying to find my rhythm and bring what I can and must bring to the team, » he repeats.

Coach Frederic Fauthoux’s perspective

Asked about them, Frederic Fauthoux describes both players as « leaders in their own way« . « Isaia is an energy leader, defensive leader, he wants to gain confidence in his shooting, » adds the coach. « Others take over in that respect, » says the coach from Landes, who reminds that the 2025 French team is a « team that must focus on sharing and cohesion » but also that « in each game, 2-3 players will need to stand out. » Perhaps Cordinier and/or Maledon this Tuesday against Poland?

In Katowice,