2024-11-21 17:09:00
With a smile, Jean-Pierre Siutat stated the obvious. “It’s still a South-West network here”noted the president of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), on September 25, during the press conference presenting Frédéric Fauthoux, the new coach of the Blues.
At 51, the latter begins his mandate on Thursday, November 21, with a trip to Cyprus as part of the Euro 2025 qualifiers (at 6 p.m., on the DAZN platform). And with the former international leader (47 caps) at its head, the French men’s basketball team takes on a serious South-West accent. More precisely from a small corner located between Chalosse (Landes) and Béarn (Pyrénées-Atlantiques).
Player, the kid from Horsarrieu, in the south of the Landes, was the man of only one club: the Elan Béarnais Pau-Orthez (which has since become Pau-Lacq-Orthez), stronghold of French basketball between the years 1980 and the beginning of the 2000s. The leader notably played alongside Boris Diaw, before the former captain of the Blues – now general manager of the France team –, does not cross the Atlantic to the NBA. It is also in this club, at the “almost identical gaming culture from pros to young people”, that he trained as a coach once his sneakers were put away.
Upon his appointment, replacing a Vincent Collet with fifteen years in office and eight medals in fourteen international competitions, the “Petitou” – his nickname when he played, in relation to his 1.80 meters, quite distant according to him from “this forest of giants” basketball – immediately checked the name of Laurent Vila to assist him. “It was my priorityinsisted this week the Landes technician, in a cross-interview to the site BeBasket. A no-brainer. If I had the honor and the chance to obtain this position, I would definitely do it with Laurent. »
Because if, at 49 years old, the current coach of Strasbourg, in the French championship (Betclic Elite) has a solid CV, the connection between the two men goes back a long time. “When I started, when I was coach of the youngest of Pau-Nord-Est [où évoluent les jeunes sections paloises]he was at the head of the Elan Béarnais training center, and we already had discussions about basketball, in general”explained Frédéric Fauthoux during his induction.
“Establishing a strong culture”
French basketball has long had the accent of a broad South-West. President Jean-Pierre Siutat – who is not standing for re-election in the federal elections in December – trained at the helm of the Tarbes women’s club, and Patrick Beesley, long-time national technical director, explored the Landes region from which Frédéric Fauthoux comes.
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How does Jean-Pierre Siutat view the impact of regional identities on team cohesion and performance in French basketball?
**Interview with Jean-Pierre Siutat: Discussing the Future of French Basketball Under New Coach Frédéric Fauthoux**
**Editor:** Good evening, Jean-Pierre. Thank you for joining us today. It’s an exciting time for French basketball as Frédéric Fauthoux steps into the role of head coach for the men’s national team. Can you share your thoughts on this new chapter for the team?
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it is indeed an exciting time. Frédéric brings a lot of passion and familiarity with the game, especially with his deep ties to the region he comes from, which adds a special dimension to our team spirit. He has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve, which is crucial as we prepare for upcoming competitions.
**Editor:** Fauthoux is not only known for his playing career but also for his coaching at the youth and professional levels. How do you expect his experience will influence the national team’s performance, especially with the Euro 2025 qualifiers starting soon?
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** His experience is invaluable. Frédéric is someone who has been through the ranks, both as a player and a coach, and understands the unique culture of French basketball. He aims for what he calls “total basketball,” which should resonate well with our players. I believe this approach will enhance our tactical flexibility and ensure we utilize our full potential in the qualifiers.
**Editor:** You mentioned a “South-West network” in your earlier remarks. How significant do you think this regional identity is for the team, especially in terms of player connections and support?
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** It’s significant. Basketball in the South-West, especially through clubs like Elan Béarnais, has a rich history and a strong community. This regional accent adds to our team identity and creates a sense of unity. Players feel a connection to their roots, and that often translates into a stronger team bond on the court.
**Editor:** Fauthoux replaces Vincent Collet, who had a long tenure with multiple accolades. What qualities does Fauthoux possess that you believe will help him carve his own legacy?
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** Frédéric’s passion is palpable. He’s been involved in the basketball community for many years, and his intimate knowledge of the game will be beneficial. He’s also looking to innovate. While Collet laid down a strong foundation, I think Fauthoux will build upon that with new ideas and strategies that will keep our team competitive on the international stage.
**Editor:** as the team prepares for its match in Cyprus today, what are your expectations moving forward?
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** I am optimistic. With every new journey, there are challenges, but I believe in Frédéric’s capacity to lead this team. His experience combined with the talent of our players makes me confident that we are on a positive trajectory. The match today is just the beginning, and I hope we will see a strong performance that sets the tone for the future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jean-Pierre, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing how French basketball evolves under Coach Fauthoux.
**Jean-Pierre Siutat:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for all of us involved in French basketball.