French basketball has a date with the future. From June 27 to July 5, Turkey is hosting the FIBA U17 World Cup, and the Bleuets will begin their campaign tomorrow in Istanbul. In this French team, two names are already making waves far beyond the borders: Aaron Towo-Nansi and Nathan Soliman. Seventeen years old, both of them. A potential that is dizzying.
Aaron Towo-Nansi: the prodigious leader of Cholet
Born in Rennes and trained in Cholet, Aaron progressed step by step — and always too quickly for his age. He signed his first professional contract at 17, becoming the youngest player in Betclic Élite.
Champion of France with the Espoirs this season, he scored his first points in the playoffs and on the European stage with the pros this season.
Lively, intelligent with the ball, formidable defender: his agent presents him as the most accomplished player of the 2009 generation.
Nathan Soliman: the XXL winger with NBA potential
On his side, Nathan Soliman plays in another physical dimension: 2.05 m, a complete forward. After literally dominating NM1 from INSEP, he joined Nantes in Elite 2 mid-season to compete with the pros. Record: over 15 points and 7 rebounds on average in NM1, a successful integration in Elite 2, and a transfer to JL Bourg already confirmed for next season.
During the last EuroBasket U16, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Tony Parker in charge
To guide this group, the Federation entrusted the reins to Tony Parker. Four NBA titles, 2013 European champion: it's hard to find a better guide for kids who dream of the same thing.
The first test comes as early as tomorrow with an opening clash against Team USA, commented live on First Team's YouTube and Twitch channels. See you on Saturday, June 27.
