By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA and France’s LNB are finalizing an agreement targeting domestic talent in France. Specifically, a development program presenting improved options for the youngsters to stay in France before becoming available for the annual NBA draft, instead of playing outside the country.
“The program will allow a certain number of players to be supported and highlighted to boost an already excellent group of French players,” Fabrice Jouhaud, the general director of LNB revealed to Le Monde and Theo Quintard.
Compensation from the NBA to French teams through the league is connected to upgraded motivation for the youngsters. “The clubs will also benefit from logistical and financial assistance to encourage them to trust the youngsters,” said Jouhaud.
Beyond the domestic league in France, the joint effort can make an impact on European and global basketball. Leading the Old Continent with the most players in the league based in North America, France is among the biggest international markets.
Rather than pursuing a professional career abroad or playing college basketball, especially with NCAA teams now being allowed to pay their players, the agreement can lead to an increase in the population of domestic upstarts in Betclic Elite, thus making the top-tier division of France more attractive to local fans.
On a related note, Alex Sarr, among the numerous French players projected to become lottery picks in the 2024 NBA draft, spent the 2023-24 season with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL