Robert Ford joins Stade Rochelais, which has appointed two new assistant coaches

The Stade Rochelais Basket, after announcing the signing of Babacar Mbye, has confirmed the arrival of Robert Ford III (1.82m, 25 years old). In addition to the American point guard, two assistant coaches have been appointed to support Germain Castano in the staff.

🔏 𝕽𝖔𝖇𝖊𝖗𝖙 𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝕴𝕴𝕴, new point guard!

Born in the United States, where he was trained, the complete point guard arrives with ambition and many qualities! 😍

Hey @R_E_F_3 ☝️#WelcomeRobert | #FievreSR

— Stade Rochelais Basket (@SR_Rupella) June 18, 2025

Robert Ford: A New Face at Point Guard

During his NCAA career between Idaho State and Montana State, Ford demonstrated versatility on both ends of the floor and explosive point guard qualities. MVP of the Big Sky Conference in 2023-2024, he started his professional career immediately and has already accumulated three different experiences at Wurzburg, Rio Grande Valley Vipers (G-League), and Rigas Zelli (Latvia).

He will have much to prove in his first Elite 2 season. Especially stability after playing only 16 games with Riga and none with Wurzburg, BBL playoff semi-finalist. With the Vipers, he averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 assists in a minor role (7 minutes per game). In Latvia, however, he was much more impactful, averaging around 15 points and 6 assists. With about twenty professional games under his belt, the Portland (Oregon) native remains an unknown quantity despite clear potential.

Robert Ford’s reaction to signing with Stade Rochelais:

« I decided to join Stade Rochelais Basket because it represents a great opportunity for me. Joining this project will allow me to progress, grow, and learn, surrounded by a good group and staff. I’m eager to start and work hard to have a great season. »

Germain Castano, Stade Rochelais Basket head coach, on Robert Ford’s signing:

« This is a very good signing, we’re very happy. It was a bit of a crush, the staff really liked his well-rounded game. He’s a player with great passing ability, real three-point shooting power, and on top of that, he plays strong defense. I saw his first games in Latvia, where he was already acting like a leader! He’s still young with good room for improvement, but his mindset and leadership will really help us a lot. »

Two New Assistants in Town

While La Rochelle changed coaches, bringing Germain Castano back to town, the club has also renewed its staff by appointing two assistant coaches: Michael Bur and Lucas Foncel. Michael Bur had been the Espoirs coach and head of the training center since 2022. The former Nanterre trainer will be a great support on the bench for Germain Castano.

Lucas Foncel, meanwhile, arrives from Orleans at the age of… 22. Having gone through all ranks at OLB, the young assistant has been in the basketball world for 10 years, as both player and coach. He will handle match analysis and opponent scouting.