Budding French prospect Hugo Facorat talks basketball journey and what’s next

via FIBA

Fresh off a promising performance at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament with Paris, 2007-born Hugo Facorat turned heads last weekend in Indianapolis. He drew attention as one of the premier French prospects to play on the Nike circuit in recent memory, showcasing his talent with Hustle Paris in Session III of the Elite Youth Champions League. We caught up with Hugo afterward to discuss his basketball background, developmental path, budding college recruitment, and future goals.

Could you walk us through your basketball journey so far?

My name is Hugo Facorat. I am a 17-year-old French basketball player. I play for the French National team during the off-season. This past season I played with the U18 and U21 teams of Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez, a French Division 2 club. I also played in the Indianapolis EYBL session with the French team, Hustle Paris.

I started playing basketball at 8 years old in my home city, Toulouse in France. The club name is TCMS. I played three years there and at 11, I joined the best young club of my city, TBC — I was playing U13 and at 14 , I played my first season in the U15 French National League. After my 15-year-old season I joined my current club. And during the off-season, I play against European competition with the French National Team (U15, U16 and now U17).

Who influenced you to get into basketball at such a young age? Any family members play?

Nobody ever played basketball in my family. I am the first. I started playing basketball because I was very tall for my age.

Are there any players you’ve looked up to throughout your development?

I always looked at Emoni Bates highlights when he was in highschool. I think I am a European version of him, haha.

What went into your decision to play with Hustle Paris on the Nike Circuit?

I really want to play basketball in the U.S. so I think it is the best off-season tournament to get some D1 offers.

Have you watched any college basketball growing up? Any dream schools to play for?

I watch some college player highlights. My dream schools are Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina.

What do you think of your debut EYCL session in Indy with Hustle Paris?

We did a very good job, 4-0 is really good for our first EYBL [session] and I think I was playing good. Now let’s see if we can go the Peach Jam!

What did you think of the EYBL playstyle?

I like how they play basketball in the U.S. They play with a different intensity. In Europe, we always run the system, but in the U.S., it is more one-on-one. I prefer the U.S. playstyle.

What schools have expressed interest after your play in this past Nike session?

Ohio, Ohio State, West Virginia, Marquette, Seton Hall, Saint John’s, Kent State, New Mexico State, and Santa Clara

What area of your game is most effective right now?

My versatility

What's the next step in your ongoing development?

I want to gain some mass and muscle so I can be unstoppable.

Any hobbies outside basketball?

I like football and video games.

Goal for this summer?

I want to win the U17 World Cup with France.