After a mixed season at Real Betis, his only one outside of France in Europe, Yakuba Ouattara (1.92m, 29) chose AS Monaco, the club where he started his sixth professional season, to make his debut in Euroleague. Without filter, the French international (16 selections) confides on his beginnings, his routines or his love for his city of Lyon. It is the invitation of our “live” section.

Remember your first professional match?
It was with Chalon-sur-Saône at Le Mans (Editor’s note: October 19, 2013). I had to come in, maybe 10 seconds (smiles)… I had to defend on Charles Kahudi. I returned to the field and I was in my bubble, I was amazed “ah, finally I am entering the field”. A guy misses his free throw and Kahudi scores on the counterattack but I was the one who was supposed to keep him… It was a round trip in fact! It remains a good memory but it was very short.

Which players have made you better in your career?
Blake Schilb, Jamal Shuler, there are others. They are full of players who were teammates but who also led me and who taught me a lot.

The one you particularly enjoyed facing?
It is not really an opponent but Amara Sy. When I was little he was my favorite player. And then it became my teammate (Editor’s note: in Monaco, between 2015 and 2019)!

Your favorite player in the French championship?
(Long hesitation) Mike James. We exchange a lot on a daily basis, on a lot of things except on the basket elsewhere! We play together but these are not our main topics of conversation.

“Real Madrid’s style of play, I like it a lot: the ball goes well, it plays very fast and everyone is involved. Nice basket “

Which coach impressed you the most?
Zvezdan (Mitrovic). It was the coach who really got me started in LNB.

In which Euroleague club would you like to evolve to take another step forward?
Monaco already. If Monaco remains in the Euroleague, that remains my priority. Otherwise, the club that makes me love the most is Real Madrid. I really like their style of play: the ball goes well, it plays very quickly and everyone is involved. Beautiful basket.

What memories do you keep of CLAR Lyon Basket, your first club?
My first basketball license was at CLAR Lyon Basket. It was my first club. I go back there very very often. I meet the president almost every summer… They welcome me very warmly, and also leave the room to me so that I can practice quietly.

Do you see yourself coming back to Lyon one day?
I do not know. May be. At the moment I don’t think about it too much, but it will depend on the opportunities. Lyon remains my city so it is something that should not be ruled out.

Rather attack or defense?
I prefer the attack, of course. We started playing basket to put baskets! After that, the roles change, depending on the team you’re playing on. In a team like ours, offensively there is a lot of talent and not everyone can be the centerpiece in attack. Everyone must succeed in performing in the areas of play to bring something to the team. Me, this year, it is to cross the main defense, even if I can contribute in attack. In a team, you sometimes have to know how to focus on a sector and everyone is good at what they do. For the team, everyone has to sacrifice something. I understood that well so I don’t mind concentrating more in defense than in attack, even if I can contribute offensively.

Rather post 2 or post 3?
Basically, I’m back, but hey… post 2 or post 3, that doesn’t bother me, the most important thing is to be on the ground. Even if you have to play 4 or 5, from the moment you play it is the most important!

“I don’t but maybe not the number I got on 24 before Kobe!” “

What is your worst memory on a field?
The defeat in the final against ASVEL in 2019.

Which trophy are you most proud of?
The two Leaders Cup won with Monaco (Editor’s note: 2016 and 2017).

If you could, what move would you steal from a player?
Um, Mike James’ side step.

Not even the game at Will Thomas’ post?
(Laughs) I don’t post too much… It might be nice to have it but Mike James’ shoot is not bad too!

If you had to pay for your seat to see a player, which one would it be?
James Lebron!

Why are you wearing number 24?
Since I was young, it has always been my favorite number. I was born on January 24th, I’ve always enjoyed the 24th. A lot of people think it’s related to Kobe (Bryant) but it has nothing to do with it. I do but maybe not say it I had the 24 before Kobe!

“I always do a little meditation to calm myself down and arrive at the game serene”

If you could change one rule, what?
The “not zero”, I deleted it! I’m starting to be old school. It is confusing because a walk at the time is no longer a walk today …

The main topic of conversation between players?
We talk about everything, kidding about everything. On laughs a lot. There are a lot of manga fans in the team so we share this passion a bit between us. The atmosphere is really great.

Your main occupation between matches and training?
Spend time with my family. We can see but much less than usual with travel. We leave 4-5 days then we come back a few days then we leave on the move one week in a row… It’s more for the children than it is complicated.

What is your routine before a meeting?
I start with an hour of nap, big max. I get up then I have a small snack. I always do a little meditation to calm myself down and arrive at the game serene. I try to approach all games the same. On the other hand, the feelings are not the same between the Euroleague and the championship. I know the championship well so there is little new for me in the Euroleague, it’s new so there is that little extra thing.

Your best pot in the basket?
I don’t have one in particular but a lot of friends: there is Jerry Boutsiele, Malela Mutuale, William Howard, Amara Sy.

If you weren’t playing basket, what would you do?
This is a question I have often asked myself! I think, TV presenter, I would like to. I can see myself in this role.

And a reconversion in the basket?
Yes, but among young people. See them evolve individually and collectively. Bring them something and help them progress. It’s really something that could make me love it.

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[armelse]

Remember your first professional match?
It was with Chalon-sur-Saône at Le Mans (Editor’s note: October 19, 2013). I had to come in, maybe 10 seconds (smiles)… I had to defend on Charles Kahudi. I returned to the field and I was in my bubble, I was amazed “ah, finally I am entering the field”. A guy misses his free throw and Kahudi scores on the counterattack but I was the one who was supposed to keep him… It was a round trip in fact! It remains a good memory but it was very short.

Which players have made you better in your career?
Blake Schilb, Jamal Shuler, there are others. They are full of players who were teammates but who also led me and who taught me a lot.

The one you particularly enjoyed facing?
It is not really an opponent but Amara Sy. When I was little he was my favorite player. And then it became my teammate (Editor’s note: in Monaco, between 2015 and 2019)!

Your favorite player in the French championship?
(Long hesitation) Mike James. We exchange a lot on a daily basis, on a lot of things except on the basket elsewhere! We play together but these are not our main topics of conversation.

“Real Madrid’s style of play, I like it a lot: the ball goes well, it plays very fast and everyone is involved. Nice basket “

Which coach impressed you the most?
Zvezdan (Mitrovic). It’s the…

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Photo: Yakuba Ouattara (Euroleague)