By Ruben Alcaraz

 

French Florent Pontens (’92) is a 6’6’’ height and 205lb weight center/forward that chose to pursue his way playing at Cheshire Academy (Connecticut). Pontens never played with any of French national teams of his age in an European Championship, but his game step up this year. Season’s over for Cheshire and Pontens have been mentioned like one of the most honorable players of the Class B Boys' Basketball 2011 All-New England Teams. The French prospect averages 21 points per game.

 

We’ve talked with Florent and he told us interesting things about his experience and his future:

-To everyone that don’t know you, who is Florent Pontens?
Florent Pontens is a 19 years old basketball player, from the South of France. I came to American to pursuit to play my passion.

-Why you chose to spend a season at high school basketball?
I chose to spend a season in high school basketball to be able to keep taking classes and try to find a college program in the US.

-European basketball is different than the American. Which was the biggest adjustment that you must to did it?  
It is really different, I had to improve my shooting skills and my drive. I stopped to do a spin move in the paint but go directly to the hole.

-You've made great performances this season with Cheshire Academy, for example at K-O Invitational where you scored 61 points in two games. What’s your best memories of the season?
The K-O tournament was really exciting. I enjoyed all the home games with our schools fans and our last game also in the which I scored 35 points with a huge win.

-One of your goals was to find a college at USA. Do you make a commitment with any college?
I didn’t commit to any school yet. I am going to visit schools after spring break and try to make the best decision.

To see Florent Pontens in action, go here

Photo: Josh Greenstone