Maxime Raynaud

Maxime Raynaud is a French center. Born in 2003, he first excelled in swimming before switching to basketball at age 12. Despite being hampered by growth-related injuries, he quickly progressed at Charenton, eventually qualifying for the French National Training Center. However, he chose to stay at Charenton to pursue a dual path, playing basketball (in U18 ELITE then National 3) while attending Henry IV high school to maintain his chances of entering a top university.

He eventually joined Nanterre to play in their youth program before heading to the United States in 2021 to attend the prestigious Stanford University (particularly renowned academically), also pursuing his dual career path. At Stanford, he gradually developed to become one of the best centers in all of NCAA in 2024-2025. This helped him work toward his primary goal which is now sports-focused, as he aims to play in the NBA.

Meanwhile, this friend of Victor Wembanyama played for the French national team at EuroBasket U16 2019 (silver medal) before becoming a key piece in the U20 European Championship victory in 2023. In summer 2024, this stretch 5 was called up as a practice player for the French senior national team during their preparation for the Paris Olympics.