Essential pawn of the Ankara team, currently 9th in the Turkish championship, and qualified as playoffs in Eurocup, Yoan Makoundou (12 selections) is now one of the “furniture” in the tricolor workforce of international windows.
Currently under contract with Monaco but on loan for the second time after a freelance at Podgorica (which he will find in the 8th finals of Eurocup elsewhere), the former Voltiger of Cholet continues his progression and makes the Blues of the Blues benefit Its explosiveness and its rage to defeat, while waiting for a real opportunity to go to the upper floor, the Euroleague, in short-term.
“The transition is going well”
Yoan, you are qualified, you play at home, what will be the approach of this last match, against Bosnia, tonight, in Orleans?
We must not relax too much, we must stay consist of our efforts, in intensity when we are on the ground. We must continue to share the ball well and stay focused. With the players, the talent and the intensity we have, it should be fine.
You have known Vincent Collet, this summer, especially in preparation, and now Freddy Faourhoux, how do you think the transition between the two selectors?
The transition is going well. Afterwards, there are also a lot of new ones in the staff. Overall, everything is going well, everyone finds their role, their place. We are happy to be in the group, the transition is going well.
Personally, do you have a different role now?
A little, but after, I was lucky to be able to progress [en club] So I can go to win a slightly more important role. Afterwards, I know what I have to bring: intensity, defense, take open shots. I have a little more responsibility on these windows but, as the group is not finalized, that does not mean much.
We imagine that it makes you want to play the big competition, the euro this summer, which would be your first?
Of course, it would be beautiful. I have not yet had the chance to be able to show my mother a real match [de compétition] From the French Team, I would like to be able to do it. It will come when it comes.
“They don't tell me anything, there is no report”
After Montenegro, you evolve in Türkiye, what do you think that your experience is bringing you abroad?
I gained in accuracy, in control too. I become less and less fiery. I still have hot strokes in club, that's for sure. I have more maturity in the game. I can better do the right readings. Progress, she is there and she is starting to show herself, that's good, I'm happy.
You are still quite irregular in your performance in the Turkish league for example, from one match to another, how do you explain it?
Yes, it's true, afterwards, we are in the return phase now, so I'm going to regulate that. I was able to chat with my coach and we talked about it. The goal is to find the right dynamic for playoffs.
What is the next step for you? It's playing in Euroleague, right?
I would like to, it would be good for me to really play in a Euroleague team. Which ? Or ? Which coach? Thing? No idea. If this is the right opportunity for me, I will jump on it!
On this subject, where are you with Monaco, since you are still on loan in Türkiye? What are your relations with the rock team?
They say nothing to me, there is no report. I'm in my corner, they are in theirs. I take care of my progress, I focus on my game and on the field. Afterwards, everything that comes out, I leave that to my agent. I let him manage.
Interview in Orleans
