Franck Seguela is a “pure Landes”, nourished by departmental basketball and the famous “Landes World Cup”. “I’m super proud of where I come from,” says the 27-year-old French 3×3 international. Being able to make a living from basketball and wearing the French team jersey while representing my department is pretty huge. » A tunic that he dreams of donning at Place de la Concorde in Paris, on July 30, the date of the entry of the Blues for their first in an Olympic tournament.
The former La Rochelle player trained at Élan Béarnais, who grew up in Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse, should experience the event with his partner, the 2022 world champion Laë…
Franck Seguela is a “pure Landes”, nourished by departmental basketball and the famous “Landes World Cup”. “I’m super proud of where I come from,” says the 27-year-old French 3×3 international. Being able to make a living from basketball and wearing the French team jersey while representing my department is pretty huge. » A tunic that he dreams of donning at Place de la Concorde in Paris, on July 30, the date of the entry of the Blues for their first in an Olympic tournament.
The former La Rochelle player trained at Élan Béarnais, who grew up in Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse, should experience the event with his partner, the 2022 world champion Laëtitia Guapo. And the star couple of 3×3 basketball has set themselves an ambitious goal: a double podium… or even a double title?
Last month in Hungary, you won the first Olympic qualification in the history of the men’s 3×3 selection. Was there any doubt during this campaign?
Honestly, we couldn’t see ourselves not making the Games. There wasn’t really any doubt, but we knew it was a coin toss. In any case, we had done everything to qualify so we would have had no regrets. But between us, players and staff, we had created a fairly airtight bubble, we felt that something positive was happening and that it was going to fall in the right direction. And it didn’t lie, it went well. Now, we are mainly looking forward to the Games.
A month and a half before the Olympic deadline, is there any impatience?
We are very, very focused. This was also why we were in the pro 3×3 team (3×3 Paris, Editor’s note). We know that we are arriving at the end of the tunnel, it was a light that we saw from very far away. And the more it goes, the closer she gets. But we must continue to perform well because today, we do not yet know the four players who will make up the team. So the important thing will be to make your place and be ready to defend the colors of France at Place de la Concorde. There are worse challenges (smile)…
Jean-Christophe Sounalet/SO
You have been a full member of this France 3×3 team for several years. You have a good chance of being part of the adventure, right?
I believe in my chances. What is certain is that I did everything to defend my place. I’m happy to have been one of the four guys who qualified the team for the Games. But every time I repeat my selections for the French team, I have to defend my place. I think I’m in a pretty good position to be in all four, but I’ll never rest on my laurels. And I will never take being selected for the French team lightly, which has always been my dream. It will never become commonplace to wear the France team jersey. Whenever I have the opportunity to do it, I will always give my body and soul.
The French men’s team was not present in Tokyo, but is the fact of having achieved world bronze in 2022 an advantage in the way you approach the competition?
Having experience of the Games is a strong point. But playing in front of our audience can really galvanize us and create timeless moments. Of this squad which won the medal, there are not that many left, given the non-selection of Antoine (Eito) and the injury of Alex (Vialaret). But we know it’s possible. I was also U23 world champion, which gives you perspective. I’m going to the Games to medal, that’s for sure. I’m clearly aiming for the gold medal, I know we’re capable of it. Since the world bronze medal, we have put all the chances on our side by becoming professional, by touring on the World Tour… We have only progressed, I am really looking forward to it.
“A selection for the French team has always been my dream. It will never become commonplace”
During this year, have you shared your travels with the women’s team of your partner Laëtitia Guapo?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. They have their schedule, we have ours. We were able to meet up from time to time, but it’s more no than yes, all the same! We were together in Clermont-Ferrand for a “Challengers” tournament and a “Women’s Series”, then there will be Orléans (June 20-21) and Bordeaux (July 9-10)… It’s going to be cool, we’ll be able to see each other a bit more.
How beneficial is it to prepare together, to share the same goal?
We motivate each other, we encourage each other… Doing the Games together was a common goal that we had set for ourselves. The desire to succeed for yourself, but also for your partner. I benefit from his experience. She’s still a world champion, she made the Games… I try to listen to her advice carefully to be able to optimize my performance.
Philippe Salvat/SO
Do you share a double dream of a podium, or even a title?
Ah yes, the goal is to have two Olympic medals! We are not denying ourselves the title, we know that both teams are capable of it. This is clearly our objective. Our dream, but also our goal.
Can you imagine the atmosphere at Place de la Concorde, with an audience 100% behind you?
It’s going to be amazing! I can already see, since the Olympic qualifying tournament, that there is a particular attraction for 3×3. Given the formula, the location, it’s telegenic… I think the public will really like it. It’s an adventure that we want to take part in.
Do you think that these Olympics will increase enthusiasm for the discipline?
I think this could be a turning point. For me, it’s the perfect team sport for the Games. It’s also easier to understand for people who don’t necessarily know basketball. There will be a lot of matches every day, it’s a formula that will be very popular. We’re going to be at Concorde in the urban park, next to BMX, breakdancing, board sports… There will be a real nice atmosphere!
A house in Saint-Jean-de-Marsacq
Born in Dijon, Franck Seguela was only “ten days old” when his father Laurent, a professional rugby player, joined Aviron Bayonnais. He grew up in Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse before joining the Élan Béarnais training center at the age of 14, then “becoming a professional and traveling everywhere”. “I love my department too much to go there, so with Laëtitia, we are having our house built in Saint-Jean-de-Marsacq,” explains Franck Seguela, a big fan of South-West festivals. “Saint-Sever, it’s early summer so I can’t go there anymore!” We’ll see after the Games if we have time to go to Dax. Plus, it’s my year without alcohol: I admit that if I could have one or two beers with my friends, that would make me happy. I’ve been at Perrier-tranche since January, I can afford it (laughs)…”
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