Scouting lab

New Series Coming! We’re highlighting the top French talent every week with our Top Performers series, covering players at every stage of development: 🇫🇷 U21 French League 🇫🇷 INSEP Standouts in NM1 🇫🇷 Pro Level Performers 🇺🇸 French Prospects in JUCO & NCAA Each week, we’ll feature the Top 3 performers in every category. Our mission: provide real exposure to French players—from youth to pro, in France and abroad. Stay tuned. 🔍✨ #FrenchProspects #Scouting #Basketball

🇫🇷 France has announced its 12-man roster for the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2026. Roster: • Tom Audry (2007) – 6’6” G/F – JDA Dijon Basket Bourgogne • Soren Bracq (2007) – 6’4” PG/SG – BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque • Mohamed Diakite (2006) – 6’9” SF/PF – Ulm 🇩🇪 • Maïdy Douglas (2006) – 6’4” PG/SG – Nanterre 92 • Juwan Ekanga (2007) – 6’6” SG – JL Bourg ➡️ Gonzaga (NCAA) • Sohann Mendy (2006) – 7’0” C – Élan Chalon • Timeo Pons (2006) – 6’6” SF – New Mexico ➡️ Abilene Christian (NCAA) • Mohamed Sankhe (2006) – 6’9” C – JA Vichy • Yohann Sissoko (2006) – 6’2” SG – Florida Atlantic ➡️ Long Beach State (NCAA) • Talis Soulhac (2006) – 6’2” PG – ADA Blois ➡️ Murray State (NCAA) • Oscar Wembanyama (2007) – 6’7” SF/PF – SIG Strasbourg ➡️ Denain Voltaire (Élite 2) • Youssouf Yatabare (2006) – 6’8” PF/C – Nanterre 92 France enters the FIBA U20 EuroBasket with one of the tournament’s deepest and most balanced rosters, featuring a blend of professional experience, high-level youth talent, and a growing NCAA presence. Four players are set to compete in Division I next season: Juwan Ekanga (Gonzaga), Timeo Pons (Abilene Christian), Yohann Sissoko (Long Beach State), and Talis Soulhac (Murray State). Meanwhile, Oscar Wembanyama takes the next step in his professional career after signing with Denain Voltaire in Élite 2. 🇫🇷 France will be among the favorites to compete for the European title.

🇫🇷 Nathan Soliman — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Fifth-Place Game vs Canada) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Nathan Soliman Born: 2009 Height: 6’8” (2.03m) Position: Wing Forward National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Modern Two-Way Wing Forward all around ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇦 Canada (Fifth-Place Game) Final Stat Line 37 PTS | 12 REB | 3 AST | 4 STL | 1 BLK 51 EFF | +23 +/- 29:50 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 15/19 FG (78.9%) 11/13 2PT (84.6%) 4/6 3PT (66.7%) 3/3 FT (100%) Rebounding 6 Offensive Rebounds 6 Defensive Rebounds 12 Total Rebounds Additional Stats 3 Assists 4 Steals 1 Block 2 Turnovers 1 Personal Foul ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⭐ one of the Tournament’s Most Dominant Performance Nathan Soliman closed out the FIBA U17 World Cup with one of the most dominant individual performances of the entire tournament. The 2009-born wing forward completely overwhelmed Canada on both ends of the floor, finishing with 37 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block while posting an incredible 51 efficiency rating. Every aspect of his game was on display as he led France to a convincing victory in the fifth-place game. ➡️ Superstar-level performance. ⸻ 🎯 Elite Three-Level Scoring Soliman showcased a complete offensive package, proving he can score from anywhere on the floor. He finished an outstanding: 15/19 from the field (78.9%) 4/6 from three (66.7%) 3/3 from the free-throw line He consistently scored by: Attacking closeouts Finishing through contact Knocking down catch-and-shoot threes Creating from the wing Running the floor in transition

Aaron Towo-Nansi — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Fifth-Place Game vs Canada) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Aaron Towo-Nansi * Born: 2009 * Height: 5’10” (1.78m) * Position: Point Guard * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: Dynamic Floor General ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇦 Canada (Fifth-Place Game) Final Stat Line 10 PTS | 3 REB | 11 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK 21 EFF | +19 +/- 27:16 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 3/7 FG (42.9%) * 0/1 2PT (0%) * 3/6 3PT (50%) * 1/1 FT (100%) Rebounding * 3 Defensive Rebounds Additional Stats * 11 Assists * 2 Steals * 1 Block * 2 Turnovers * 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🧠 Elite Floor General Aaron Towo-Nansi once again proved why he is one of the premier point guards in the 2009 class, delivering a masterclass in game management during France’s fifth-place victory over Canada. The 5’10 floor general completely controlled the tempo from start to finish, orchestrating the offense with maturity, poise, and outstanding decision-making. His 11 assists reflected his ability to consistently create easy scoring opportunities while keeping teammates involved throughout the game. ➡️ Elite offensive organizer. ⸻ 👀 Outstanding Court Vision The most impressive aspect of Towo-Nansi’s performance was his playmaking. He consistently demonstrated: * Elite court vision * Advanced pick-and-roll reads * Precise timing on pocket passes * Skip passes to weak-side shooters * Excellent anticipation of defensive rotations Rather than simply reacting to the defense, he manipulated defenders with his eyes, pace, and ball handling before delivering accurate passes. His 11 assists showcased one of the best playmaking performances of the tournament. ➡️ High-level creator who elevates everyone around him. ⸻ ⚡ Pace & Change of Speed Towo-Nansi continued to separate himself with his exceptional control of pace.

🇫🇷 Lorenz Sanz — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Quarterfinal vs Canada) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Lorenz Sanz Born: 2009 Height: 6’2” (1.88m) Position: Point Guard National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Floor General / Shot-Creating Lead Guard ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇦 Canada Final Stat Line 12 PTS | 1 REB | 4 AST +17 +/- | 8 EFF 24:50 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 4/10 FG (40%) 0/1 2PT (0%) 4/9 3PT (44.4%) 0/0 FT Additional Stats 4 Assists 3 Turnovers 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🧠 Floor General Presence Lorenz Sanz once again proved to be the player responsible for organizing France’s offense against one of the tournament’s toughest opponents. The 2009-born point guard dictated the pace of the game with excellent composure, consistently making the right reads while keeping the offense flowing. Even under Canada’s defensive pressure, Sanz never looked rushed and continued to play with maturity well beyond his age. ➡️ True lead guard who controls the rhythm of the game. ⸻ 🎯 Perimeter Shooting One of the biggest positives from this performance was Sanz’s confidence from beyond the arc. He finished: 4/9 from three-point range (44.4%) His shooting stood out because of his: Quick, compact release Excellent balance Ability to shoot off the catch Confidence pulling up behind ball screens His perimeter shooting forced Canada’s defense to extend, opening driving lanes for both himself and his teammates.

🇫🇷 Messi Yangala — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Quarterfinal vs Canada) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Messi Yangala Born: 2009 Height: 6’8” (2.03m) Position: Forward National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: High-Motor Athletic Forward ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇦 Canada Final Stat Line 10 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 2 BLK 14 EFF | +18 +/- 20:27 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 4/8 FG (50%) 4/8 2PT (50%) 0/0 3PT 2/4 FT (50%) Rebounding 3 Offensive Rebounds 4 Defensive Rebounds 7 Total Rebounds Additional Stats 1 Steal 2 Blocks 0 Turnovers 1 Personal Foul ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⚡ Elite Rim Running Messi Yangala once again played a crucial role in France’s victory by constantly putting pressure on Canada’s defense with his transition play. The 2009-born forward sprinted the floor on every possession, creating easy scoring opportunities through his elite rim-running ability. He consistently: Beat opposing bigs down the floor Filled the lanes in transition Finished above the rim Created easy baskets without needing the ball in isolation ➡️ One of the best rim runners in the 2009 class. ⸻ 💪 High Motor & Relentless Activity Yangala’s greatest strength continues to be his motor. Throughout the game he consistently: Crashed the offensive glass Chased loose balls Ran every possession Battled for rebounds Played with nonstop intensity His effort level impacted the game well beyond the scoring column. His +18 plus/minus reflected how valuable he was every time he stepped on the floor.

Our Director of Scouting, Jonathan Dogbo @jdogbo , had the opportunity to sit down with French prospect Juwan Ekanga as he prepares for the FIBA U20 EuroBasket. In this exclusive interview, Juwan discusses: • His basketball background and journey • His 2025-26 season • His development as a player • His strengths and areas for improvement • His experience at the Young Star Game • Why he chose the college basketball path • His goals for the upcoming season and beyond

🇫🇷 Nathan Soliman — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Round of 16 vs China) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Nathan Soliman Born: 2009 Height: 6’8” (2.03m) Position: Wing Forward National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Modern Two-Way Wing Forward ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇳 China (Round of 16) Final Stat Line 18 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 1 BLK 21 EFF | +36 +/- 24:54 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 7/12 FG (58.3%) 6/9 2PT (66.7%) 1/3 3PT (33.3%) 3/4 FT (75%) Rebounding 3 Offensive Rebounds 3 Defensive Rebounds 6 Total Rebounds Additional Stats 3 Assists 1 Block 1 Turnover 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⭐ Complete Two-Way Wing Performance Nathan Soliman continued his outstanding FIBA U17 World Cup campaign with another dominant performance as France comfortably advanced to the quarterfinals. The 2009-born wing forward showcased his complete skill set, finishing with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while posting a game-high +36 plus/minus. His impact extended far beyond the box score, consistently influencing the game on both ends through his versatility, activity, and winning plays. ➡️ One of the tournament’s premier wing forward prospects. ⸻ 💥 Versatile Three-Level Scoring Soliman once again demonstrated why he is such a difficult matchup. Standing 6’8, he scored efficiently from multiple areas of the floor:

🇫🇷 Aaron Towo-Nansi — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Round of 16 vs China) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Aaron Towo-Nansi Born: 2009 Height: 5’10” (1.78m) Position: Point Guard National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Dynamic Floor General ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇳 China (Round of 16) Final Stat Line 15 PTS | 2 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK 19 EFF | +26 +/- 21:15 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 5/10 FG (50%) 4/4 2PT (100%) 1/6 3PT (16.7%) 4/4 FT (100%) Rebounding 1 Offensive Rebound 1 Defensive Rebound 2 Total Rebounds Additional Stats 7 Assists 2 Steals 2 Blocks 2 Turnovers 1 Personal Foul ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🧠 Elite Floor General Aaron Towo-Nansi once again demonstrated complete control of France’s offense, orchestrating the game with maturity and poise beyond his years. The 2009-born point guard dictated the tempo from the opening tip, consistently putting teammates in the right positions while making smart decisions with the basketball. He finished with 15 points and 7 assists, proving he can impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator. ➡️ True lead guard who makes everyone around him better. ⸻ 👀 Advanced Court Vision & Playmaking

🇫🇷 Messi Yangala — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Round of 16 vs China) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Messi Yangala Born: 2009 Height: 6’8” (2.03m) Position: Forward National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: High-Motor Athletic Forward ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇳 China (Round of 16) Final Stat Line 14 PTS | 7 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL 18 EFF | +17 +/- 21:32 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 5/9 FG (55.6%) 5/9 2PT (55.6%) 0/0 3PT 4/5 FT (80%) Rebounding 2 Offensive Rebounds 5 Defensive Rebounds 7 Total Rebounds Additional Stats 2 Assists 2 Steals 2 Turnovers 0 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⚡ Elite Rim Runner Messi Yangala once again showcased why he is one of the most dangerous transition forwards in the 2009 class. The 6’8 forward consistently sprinted the floor, beating opposing bigs down the court and creating easy scoring opportunities before China’s defense could get organized. He generated offense through: Elite rim running Transition finishes Hard cuts to the basket Constant off-ball movement His ability to play above the rim puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. ➡️ Elite transition threat.

🇫🇷 Sohan Boungo — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Round of 16 vs China) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Sohan Boungo Born: 2009 Height: 6’4” (1.93m) Position: Guard National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Two-Way Combo Guard ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇳 China (Round of 16) Final Stat Line 11 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST 13 EFF | +13 +/- 13:53 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 4/5 FG (80%) 2/2 2PT (100%) 2/3 3PT (66.7%) 1/1 FT (100%) Additional Stats 2 Assists 1 Turnover 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🎯 Efficient Offensive Performance Sohan Boungo made the most of his minutes, delivering one of his most efficient performances of the tournament as France advanced comfortably to the quarterfinals. The 2009-born guard finished with 11 points on 80% shooting, showing excellent shot selection and confidence every time he touched the ball. He consistently played within the flow of the offense while capitalizing on scoring opportunities. ➡️ Highly efficient complementary scorer.

🇫🇷 Amadou Fall — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup Round of 16 vs China) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Amadou Fall * Born: 2009 * Height: 6’4 * Wingspan: 6’8 * Position: Wing * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: Two-Way Scoring Wing ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇨🇳 China (Round of 16) Final Stat Line 12 PTS | 1 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL 12 EFF | +8 +/- 16:19 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 4/6 FG (66.7%) * 2/2 2PT (100%) * 2/4 3PT (50%) * 2/3 FT (66.7%) Additional Stats * 3 Assists * 1 Steal * 2 Turnovers * 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🎯 Efficient Three-Level Scoring Amadou Fall continued his impressive FIBA U17 World Cup campaign with another highly efficient offensive performance as France advanced to the quarterfinals. The 2009-born wing scored 12 points in just over 16 minutes, once again demonstrating his ability to produce without needing a high volume of shots. He showed the versatility to score both attacking the rim and stretching the floor from beyond the arc. ➡️ Highly efficient offensive weapon. ⸻ 🏀 Smooth Shooting Stroke Fall continues to establish himself as one of France’s most reliable perimeter shooters. He finished: * 2/4 from three-point range (50%) What stood out: * Smooth, repeatable shooting mechanics * High release point * Excellent balance * Quick release off the catch * Confidence from NBA range His ability to consistently knock down perimeter shots makes him a valuable floor spacer.

🇫🇷 Dan Boudine — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup vs Japan) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Dan Boudine * Born: 2009 * Height: 6’6” (1.98m) * Position: Wing * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: 3-and-D Wing / Floor Spacer ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇯🇵 Japan (FIBA U17 World Cup) Final Stat Line 18 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST 20 EFF | +11 +/- 22:48 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 7/10 FG (70%) * 3/4 2PT (75%) * 4/6 3PT (66.7%) * 0/0 FT Rebounding * 1 Offensive Rebound * 2 Defensive Rebounds * 3 Total Rebounds Additional Stats * 2 Assists * 0 Turnovers * 3 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🎯 Elite Catch-and-Shoot Threat Dan Boudine delivered one of the most efficient shooting performances of the tournament, finishing with 18 points on 70% shooting while knocking down 4-of-6 from three-point range. The 2009-born wing consistently punished Japan’s defensive rotations with his ability to space the floor and score without needing many dribbles. His perimeter shooting completely changed the floor spacing for France. ➡️ Elite floor-spacing potential.

🇫🇷 Messi Yangala — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup vs Japan) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Messi Yangala * Born: 2009 * Height: 6’8” (2.03m) * Position: Forward * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: High-Motor Athletic Forward ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇯🇵 Japan (FIBA U17 World Cup) Final Stat Line 12 PTS | 9 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL 23 EFF | +26 +/- 19:47 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 6/7 FG (85.7%) * 6/7 2PT (85.7%) * 0/0 3PT * 0/0 FT Rebounding * 2 Offensive Rebounds * 7 Defensive Rebounds * 9 Total Rebounds Additional Stats * 2 Assists * 1 Steal * 0 Turnovers * 0 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⚡ Elite Rim Runner Messi Yangala once again showcased why he is one of the best rim-running forwards in the 2009 class. From the opening tip, he consistently sprinted the floor, outrunning defenders in transition and creating easy scoring opportunities before Japan’s defense could get set. What stood out: * Elite transition speed * Constant pressure on the rim * Excellent timing running the lanes * Explosive finishes above the rim * Outstanding conditioning and effort His ability to generate offense simply by running the floor is an NBA-level trait that consistently translates. ➡️ Elite transition weapon. ⸻ 💥 Soft Touch & Interior Scoring Yangala finished an outstanding 6-of-7 from the field, once again displaying remarkable efficiency around the basket. He consistently scored through: * Quick cuts * Transition finishes * Offensive rebounds * Interior post touches

Lorenz Sanz — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup vs Japan) 🧬 Player Profile Name: Lorenz Sanz Born: 2009 Height: 6’2” (1.88m) Position: Point Guard National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 Archetype: Crafty Floor General ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇯🇵 Japan (FIBA U17 World Cup) Final Stat Line 11 PTS | 2 REB | 3 AST | 2 BLK 13 EFF | +13 +/- 17:42 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits 4/9 FG (44.4%) 3/5 2PT (60%) 1/4 3PT (25%) 2/2 FT (100%) Additional Stats 3 Assists 2 Blocks 0 Turnovers 1 Personal Foul ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation 🧠 Floor General Mentality Lorenz Sanz once again demonstrated why he is one of the smartest lead guards in the French 2009 generation. The 6’2 point guard played with excellent composure, controlling France’s offense while consistently making the correct reads. He never rushed possessions and dictated the pace with maturity beyond his age. ➡️ True floor general who understands how to run a team.

🇫🇷 Melvyn Vounang — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup vs Japan) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Melvyn Vounang * Born: 2009 * Height: 6’7” (2.01m) * Position: Forward * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: High-Motor Energy Forward ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇯🇵 Japan (FIBA U17 World Cup) Final Stat Line 10 PTS | 8 REB | 1 AST 14 EFF | +7 +/- 14:36 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 5/7 FG (71.4%) * 5/7 2PT (71.4%) * 0/0 3PT * 0/1 FT (0%) Rebounding * 6 Offensive Rebounds * 2 Defensive Rebounds * 8 Total Rebounds Additional Stats * 1 Assist * 2 Turnovers * 3 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⚡ Elite Motor & Winning Plays Melvyn Vounang once again proved why he is one of France’s most valuable energy players. Despite playing fewer than 15 minutes, the 2009-born forward completely changed the game with his relentless effort, physicality, and hustle. His impact extended far beyond the scoring column, consistently creating extra possessions and giving France second-chance opportunities through sheer determination. ➡️ High-impact energy forward. ⸻ 💪 Dominating the Offensive Glass The biggest takeaway from Vounang’s performance was his work on the offensive boards. He grabbed: 6 Offensive Rebounds His rebounding came from: * Outstanding anticipation * Excellent timing * Physical toughness * Quick second jumps * Relentless pursuit of the basketball Very few players in the tournament consistently generated as many extra possessions through offensive rebounding. His willingness to battle every possession immediately stands out on film.

🇫🇷 Brandon Muela — Scouting Report (FIBA U17 World Cup vs Japan) 🧬 Player Profile * Name: Brandon Muela * Born: 2009 * Height: 6’8” (2.03m) * Position: Wing * National Team: 🇫🇷 France U17 * Archetype: Two-Way Athletic Wing ⸻ 📊 Performance vs 🇯🇵 Japan (FIBA U17 World Cup) Final Stat Line 9 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST | 3 STL 14 EFF | +25 +/- 17:12 MIN 🎯 Shooting Splits * 4/6 FG (66.7%) * 3/3 2PT (100%) * 1/3 3PT (33.3%) * 0/0 FT Rebounding * 1 Offensive Rebound * 3 Defensive Rebounds * 4 Total Rebounds Additional Stats * 2 Assists * 3 Steals * 2 Turnovers * 2 Personal Fouls ⸻ 🧠 Scouting Evaluation ⚡ Elite Two-Way Activity Brandon Muela made a major impact despite playing just over 17 minutes, bringing tremendous energy and defensive intensity throughout France’s victory over Japan. The 2009-born wing consistently influenced the game without needing a high volume of shots, showcasing the type of winning impact coaches value. His +25 plus/minus reflected just how effective he was whenever he stepped onto the floor. ➡️ High-impact role player with intriguing long-term upside.

Showtime Nathan Soliman !!