EuroLeague: ASVEL shows strength by signing Sylvain Francisco for 3 years

Sylvain Francisco has closed his return to French basketball by signing a three-year contract with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday. The French point guard, who turns 28, becomes one of the key additions to the project led by Tony Parker, who had already approved the agreement weeks ago.

Francisco will wear the number 3 jersey at Villeurbanne and will bring his continental experience in both the EuroLeague and the Betclic Elite. After five years competing abroad, the player born in Créteil returns home with a solid background in top European competitions.

A Childhood Dream Fulfilled

The French international expressed his excitement for this new stage in official statements. "LDLC ASVEL represents history, tradition, and a great project. I believe that as a child, it is a club whose jersey we all would have wanted to wear and where we would have wanted to play, so it is a childhood dream come true," stated the point guard originally from the Paris region. His words reflect the emotional significance of this incorporation into Parker's team.

Francisco was named to the EuroLeague Ideal Five last season while representing Zalgiris, highlighting his relevance in European basketball. His performance in the top continental competition positions him as a reliable reinforcement for the project that the legendary American point guard is building in France.

A Career Marked by Excellence

Francisco's professional journey began in Florida, where he completed his schooling in basketball before starting his professional career. His first step in French basketball came with Metropolitans 92, where he laid the foundations for his development as an elite point guard. Subsequently, his stints with Paris Saint-Germain and Chorale Roanne allowed him to establish himself in the French League and gain continental experience.

The move to the Spanish Liga Endesa marked a turning point in his career. Francisco led Baxi Manresa to the Basketball Champions League final, demonstrating his ability to guide teams in prestigious competitions. This period helped him refine his game and gain visibility in the European scene, opening doors to even more demanding opportunities.

Establishment in the EuroLeague

Under the guidance of coach Vassilis Spanoulis at Peristeri bwin, Francisco honed his skills and prepared for his official debut in the EuroLeague. FC Bayern Munich was his gateway to the top continental competition, where he contributed to achieving the domestic double by winning both the easyCredit BBL and the BBL-Pokal. This experience at a top-level club provided him with the necessary confidence to face new challenges.

His brightest period came with Zalgiris, where he reached new performance heights. Francisco led the Lithuanian team with authority, winning multiple national titles and recording his best personal statistics in the EuroLeague. Last season, he averaged over 16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game, figures that placed him among the top point guards in the competition and fully justified his inclusion in the Ideal Five.

A Pillar of the French National Team

Francisco is a key figure in the French national team project. He has proudly represented Les Bleus in both the FIBA World Cup 2023 and the EuroBasket 2025, showcasing his ability to compete on the highest stages of international basketball. His experience in tournaments of this magnitude enables him to arrive at ASVEL with maturity and tactical knowledge that will enrich Parker's team.

His return to French basketball after five years abroad marks an important milestone for both the player and the club. ASVEL secures a reliable point guard with EuroLeague experience, while Francisco closes a professional cycle with the desired return home. Francisco's energy in crucial moments, combined with his extensive continental experience, positions him as a valuable reinforcement for the goals pursued by Tony Parker's project in the upcoming season.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga: ASVEL saca músculo firmando por 3 años a Sylvain Francisco