Itw Sylvain Francisco: “I have shown that I can bring a lot to the French team”

A real satisfaction of the preparation of the Blues, the energetic leader of Zalgiris Kaunas Sylvain Francisco (1.85 m. Nevertheless, 27 years old) was retained by Frédéric Faith for Euribasket 2025, two years after his last major competition, the 2023 World Cup.

Pour Freethe 27 -year -old leader returns to his “relief” to be part of “Adventure”but also on his evolution in his game as in his role. Nevertheless, while he is now one of the oldest of the French team.

Player profile

Poste (s): Leader

Size: 185 cm

Age: 27 ans (01/10/1997)

Nationalities:

itw sylvain francisco: “i have

Stats 2025-2026 / Preparation

“Raised to be in the 12!” »» – Itw sylvain francisco: "i have

Sylvain, what was your reaction by learning that you are one of the 12 selected for the Eurobasket?

I live it well, I am very happy, even relieved. Consequently, But I stay my feet on the ground because there is still a long way to go. For example, and a lot to do. In addition, It is a lot likely to be one of the 12. Therefore, continue, or rather to really start the adventure with these guys.

You have “dynamic” the French game during each of your preparation appearances. However, Was there a surplus motivation in your home?

Of course ! However, I tried to offer the same game as Zalgiris in itw sylvain francisco: “i have Euroleague. Therefore, Bringing him back to the French team here is a plus, in my opinion. Furthermore, It feels good for the team, and me too. Moreover, Bringing energy back is really my first quality.

Was it revenge compared to competitions or windows in which you had not participated in the past?

The past is a past; I learned a lot of things but I go forward. Similarly, There is not really revenge, rather a progression. Moreover, Every day, every month, each year, we grow from the inside and the outside, and we take experience. However, This is what allowed me to do everything I could do. For example, Today, I have shown that I can play with the French team, and that I can bring him a lot.

“If I was afraid after my injury?”
Honestly. For example, yes “ – Itw sylvain francisco: "i have

With Vincent Poirier’s package, you are paradoxically one itw sylvain francisco: “i have of the oldest; How do you sit in this France group?

(laugh) I don’t really notice because we are all very compatible within the team. Similarly, We laugh. Similarly, Sometimes I tell myself that I am not 27 years old (laugh). Meanwhile, But it feels good to be there. Nevertheless, to be part of the “old”, and to give messages to young people while providing experience.

Is it pleasant to take this role of leader in blue also?

Of course ! Consequently, I had it in Zalgiris, why not bring him back here. For example, I spent a CAP in Kaunas. In addition, After Germany, I really dominated a team from Euroleague and had the keys. Moreover, This is what allowed me to progress with the trinchieri coach, and to assess myself with a lot of hardness. However, The energy in attack. Nevertheless, in defense, itw sylvain francisco: “i have the creation for me as for the teammates: I know that I am someone who can weigh in the scale and change a lot.

Afterwards, I think we are very much to want to be a leader, but there is no ego. It comes naturally. If one or the other is the leader, it will not change things: we will all bear each other and move forward.

What is your relationship with the Zalgiris precisely, during this gathering?

They follow me all the time, every time from the start. They send me messages, are really happy that I am part of the team. They were also very concerned about the state of my shoulder, after my bad fall against Montenegro. But it was more fear than harm. They were reassured.

Did you fear for the rest of the prep after your shoulder shock at the start of itw sylvain francisco: “i have the gathering. during the first friendly match? How do you get things lost?

Honestly, yes. I really fell back in the second quarter against Montenegro, but in the moment I really did not realize it. It was cold, when I watched the video, that I saw. I came across the shoulder but it was the collarbone that finally took everything. It was unbearable, it was extremely hard to sleep, to raise your arm. I was told that I was going to be out for ten days. It was a problem for me because knowing my body, I knew I could come back earlier. But against Montenegro, after this fall, I could no longer shoot. It blocked me.

After four days. before the match against Great Britain, I was able to start shooting, having movements even if it was a little hard for me. Today it’s much itw sylvain francisco: “i have better, even if I still feel small sequelae from time to time.

Itw sylvain francisco: "i have

“The best atmosphere
that I have known in a group ”

You concluded the preparation in France with a very good match in Bercy against Spain, the feelings had to be tenfold …

I’m used to playing in fairly hot atmospheres (laugh) ! I have not known for how long I had not seen that. but having a such atmosphere in Bercy is incredible. There was the ceremony for players at 200 selections. but also for Nando de Colo and Nicolas Batum who have just hung in itw sylvain francisco: “i have blue; It was a more motivation to bring victory back, which is against the Spanish. We really liked!

Did the prospect of shining in Paris. as a Parisian, played in your approach to the match?

On ! It motivates even more because friends, family are there. Having everyone motivates you and adding you a positive pressure. Adrenaline was there. I’m so focused that I haven’t opened my phone yet. I know that when I make a good match, the networks explode (laugh).

How did you experience the decision to separate from Nadir Hifi, your friend in life?

He announced the news Sunday morning in front of everyone. Inevitably, it hurts. No one would like to be in his place. itw sylvain francisco: “i have Everyone would be disappointed if it had been us. There was no good or bad choice. Everyone was efficient. Knowing Nadir, I know it will motivate him. He will have a big season to come to Paris. It must motivate it, it has gone through so much that it should not turn it off. I will go see him before he leaves to speak with him. Some players need that, and with experience and experience, I cannot make the hypocrite and no longer calculate it. Especially that we have a relationship outside basketball.

“With Freddy Faith,
Our relationship had died for a time “

How does the group live on a daily basis?

Frankly, the group lives so well that no one expected it. We eat together, we land together, we play at Awe listen to music, we chat … Everyone is happy to be with each other. itw sylvain francisco: “i have Team cohesion in the field starts from our natural relationship outside. This is the best atmosphere I have known in a group.

What relationship do you have with the coach. who is also the one who had launched you as a professional a few years ago, like many other team players?

With him, it was incredible. It was he who launched me in the bath of the professional world because he saw. believed in my potential. He told me to play my game. to do what I knew how to do; I had a good relationship with him as a rookie. Having it years later is a plus is good. After Levallois, our relationship had died for a time, until I was in Roanne and him at Asvel. We returned a link.

When he called me for windows to explain certain things to me. it really made me itw sylvain francisco: “i have happy to talk with him because we had lost that. There had been a misunderstanding. we returned the link despite the fact that he called me to tell me that he was not taking on the next window. But he tells you things, honest, human. As a player, you really need it. And then I understood his choice, because my “competitors” like Matthew or Théo really did work. I was disappointed but I took it well because it is warm.

Almost everyone in the team has had it in their career. This is the kind of coach you need at the head of the French team. He is really close to the players, he tells you things.

Interview in Paris,