“Kobe Bryant was the idol of my youth”
After three years in Spain, in Bilbao, the French international leader (9 caps) Jonathan Rousselle (32) is back in France, in Dijon with whom he has signed up for two years. He reveals, for Le Quotidien Du Sport and France Basket, his dream team.
LEADER
“Steph Curry. Not for the Steph Curry of now, but for the one I followed when he arrived in the NBA. He was really frail and skinny. There were many doubts around him. Unconsciously, I identified with him because it’s kind of my profile. So, I followed his journey and I really added. »
Substitute: “Nando De Colo. He comes from the North. I know him personally, I know his family. I have the greatest respect for what he has achieved. He did not go through the “normal” channel. Everything was not given to him. His journey can be inspiring to others. In addition, I really like his style of play which is done on instinct, with gestures that may seem crazy, but often under control. »
BACK
“Kobe Bryant who was the idol of my youth. He’s more of my generation than Jordan. For everything he stood for, for his ironclad winning mentality. I had two older brothers who were fans. As youngest, I followed and I had posters in my room. I saw him play. I got up at night to watch the NBA Finals. »
Substitute: “Juan Carlos Navarro whom I watched a lot at the time of Barcelona when I was in cadet-hopes, in particular his way of moving. He too had a somewhat frail physique, really playing a pure basket, made of technique and reading. I’m more endowed by this kind of player than guys who jump their heads at the circle (sic). »
Winger
“Michael Jordan. He’s still the icon and he belongs in everyone’s ideal five.”
Substitute: “Manu Ginobili. His Euroleague era (with Virtus Bologna, Editor’s note) and even his debut with Spurs. I loved his entertaining, unpredictable side. With him, there was always something going on. When he was on the field, we often had our eyes on him. I also like his personality. He never had one word higher than the other. He was humble. »
WING FORT
“Dirk Nowitzki for the technical and human side. These are guys who have always been recognized as good teammates and hard workers. These are examples. He revolutionized by his game that of the greats who deviate and fadeaway. »
Substitute: “Tim Duncan for his technique and his leadership. »
PIVOT
” Shaquille O’neal. He was an athletic beast. Better to go around him than to go on him! When I looked at Kobe, there was Shaq. That duo really stood out to me. He was the one of the most dominant players inside. With him, we could travel. It’s a profile that doesn’t really exist today even if I like having a big guy to whom we can give the ball to inside to get points in. The 3-point shot is good, but it’s not everything.”
Substitute: “Pau Gasol. He was a huge player with an impeccable mentality. Having played in Spain, we realize even more the importance he can have in the country, the respect he can have and the career that has been his. He is a public figure like Nadal can be. As French, it hurts us a lot! »
COACH
“I’m going to put in a coach who marked me; Germain Castano. He is not well enough known and recognized by the general public for his human and basket qualities. He does an extraordinary job. I love his human side. He transcends his players and gives them confidence. With such a roster, he would know how to make them play properly. He is a leader of men. He knows how to manage egos and characters. »