Author of a 10 -point match and 5 rebounds against Croatia in Zadar, including a powerful dunk to open the brand. Théo Maledon appeared relaxed, both in his sneakers and his basketball, on the side of Orleans today.
In full possession of his means, and finally empowered to the height of his talent, the young French leader wants above all to focus on his end of the season with ASVEL, before thinking of finding height, whether in a Large European club or, why not, in the NBA next season.
Théo, what is the group's approach for this last match: between relief and release? But not too much anyway?
We are really keen to finish this campaign in the best way, especially the chance to have the public with us. We really want to show what the French team represents and also use it for the future
What are the sites of these Blues from the new wave? What are the instructions for this last match?
We have to focus on us and our approach: on our attitudes, having good intentions and good intensity, it will be essential for us. We know that it is a very physical team so we will also have to take up this challenge.
Can we already say that there is a Freddy Faith Faux on the Blues, or is it still too early to say it?
Yes, that's for sure. What is very good is that the players hang. It allows you to see, against Croatia for example, that everyone was able to bring their stone to the building.
Deaf rumors
Personally, is not the next step for you to become unbeatable with these new Blues? To finally participate in a large competition in a first order role?
Whenever I have the opportunity to represent France, I take it very at heart. I also did not change at all compared to the latest competitions I made or last summer when I was with the team, I just have more opportunities to show myself. I seize these opportunities. There was no crazy change, except that I play more. Personally, I prepared myself to seize this opportunity.
What is your mentality right now, knowing that several major European clubs (including Real Madrid), even the NBA, make you soft?
Honestly, that's something I don't think about. A large part of my success on this start of the season is that precisely, I stay in the present moment and I focus on what comes in front of me. I intend to do like that as long as possible. With clubs [qui en parlent] And the transfer periods and all that, I heard about it earlier than expected but I will think about it when the time comes. For the moment, I repel it all and focus on my season.
Colo Nando as mentor
Do you nevertheless feel additional pressure compared to these new expectations around you?
For me, it's something external, so no, it doesn't bother me more than that.
After three years in the NBA or G-League, did you need a little more time to readjust you to the European game, stamped Euroleague in particular?
The space and the fact that the game is much slower, more posed in Europe. It is an adaptation that may have taken me a little more time. Fortunately, I had Nando [De Colo] For example and coach Poupet who helped me really well on that. Each time, it is certain that there is a small transition to do but, for me, it went super well, thanks to the people who surrounded me well.
What emerges from your season is the stability and the regularity of your performance, how can you progress on this?
It is through regular work and an unchanged approach on all aspects of the game. I put a lot in place this summer and also in preseason, and it is a routine that I still keep until today . It is something that allows me to be disciplined and it is felt on the ground as well as in my everyday life. As I said, I always try to stay in the present moment, leave the past in the past, and whenever I have an opportunity on the field, I want to seize it.
In view of your success this season, is there not a small point of regret not to have returned earlier to Europe?
No not at all. Everything happens for a reason. I think these years when I played less but when I continued to work on myself, they served me. They did not serve me at all anyway. It allowed me to continue to stay focused and stay very mentally, so many things that have served me this season and will serve me in the future.
Interview in Orleans
