It is an exciting era for French basketball prospects, and everyone are on the edge of their seats with anticipation. With the 2020 draft class that was headlined by the talented 2001 born PG duo of Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon, this is only the start of a promising period for “Les Bleu”.
The upcoming French generation can be described in two words “Victor Wembanyama”. The 7 foot 16-year-old has taken the international basketball world by storm. Victor is considered to be the next generational talent out of Europe and has the overall nod over American Emani Bates as the next game changing prospect. Already consider by most the consensus number 1 pick in 2023 NBA draft, the youngster has his work cut out for him.
But with all eyes on Victor we tend to forget France has a plethora of talent at every position. A name that has climb into the top 2001 European prospect conversation is another tower in the country’s capitol of Paris, Ismaël Kamagate.
Ismäel’s was basically unknown years ago but has taken a step into the bright lights of Paris Basketball and has relished the opportunity. With his name fairly new to the top prospect discussion let us take a brief dive into this prospect whose late arrival on the international stage has many intrigued:
BACKGROUND: Born to Ivorian parents in the suburbs of Paris, Ismaël was not destined for professional basketball. He started off playing soccer (futbol) up until the age of 13. Apparently, a change of sport was necessary from constantly tapping his head on the cross bar after scoring goals! Crossing over to basketball with the advice of his doctor and mother, Ismael had no blueprint for his path, having no immediate family member who played a high level of basketball before him. Starting U13 with the small club Basket Paris 14, Ismaël could be describe as a normal kid that came to practices and games and enjoyed himself. He listened well and was a fast learner. Adapting to the game quickly he would not understand the possible impact of basketball on his life until years later. He bounced around playing U15 for the club Paris Basket Avenir, Levallois, and shortly after leaving home to spend two seasons with the U18 squad of Orleans Loiret Basket Association. During his two seasons with Orleans (17-18 and 18-19) Ismaël developed with the U18 and the 2nd team which played in NM3. Although averaging 21.1 ppg in U18 competition in his final season with the club, Ismaël would be describe as not fully invested in the concept of being a professional athlete (not showing up early nor staying late for extra work). He did not even practice with the pro team who competed in Pro B France 2nd division both seasons. But his final season with Orleans was taken noticed by the French basketball federation who selected him to represent France during the 2019 U18 European Championship in Greece. After the summer of international competition Ismaël accepted an offer with the newly formed Paris Basket Association (formerly Hyeres Toulon Var Club but relocated to Paris). Paris Basketball, whose team President/investor is former Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn, has strong belief in Ismael’s potential brining him in with a crop of prospects to write the first chapters of the team located in the heart of the country’s capitol. Ismaël has since rewarded the opportunity he was given by making enormous strides in his development slowly climbing up the 2001 born international prospect rankings. An opportunity of this magnitude has helped the maturity of Ismaël on and off the court and overall bringing to focus and understanding of what is at stake for him with the game of basketball
PERSONALITY: Ismaël is described as mild tempered and not a huge talker. A player that is very coachable and has put in the extra time in with his development. Great teammate that takes pride in doing his job. A player who has come to understand the grind of being a professional. He has lean on an experience teammate in Amara Sy (French basketball legend) who has helped guide him thus far in Paris Basketball. Off the court he enjoys music from the local Paris artist, being proud of the city he was born and raised in. He also enjoys watching the game, especially the NBA.
PHYSICAL/ATHLETIC TOOLS: Ismaël has a long frame with incredibly measurements (winspan: 7ft + and standing reach: 8ft+). A long stride allows him to be an effective rim runner. His athleticism paired with those measurements gives him an extra dazzle when dunking. Snaring rebounds, blocking shots, and accurate passing can be attributed to the size of his hands and a very quick second jump. He still needs to add muscle to be able to play through contact and not avoid it. But his broad shoulders give him a cushion to finish at the basket against opposing defenders. Also improving his core and lower body will allow him to remain on balance when bumped or push eliminating precious seconds he uses to regather himself before going back up.
OFFENSE:
Shooting: This area is still a work in progress for Ismaël. His mechanics are decent but still needs coaching. It is a rare siting to see him shoot in the game. Offensive tactics mainly allows him to attempt majority of his shots around the basket. Most times either the shot clock is running down, or the defense backs up when Ismaël attempts a jump shot. All indications point he can develop a reliable outside 15-foot jump shot.
Pick & rolls: After transition rim running, Ismaël excels in the half court PnR offense. After setting picks, he turns and dives quickly towards the basket opening up the lob or the delayed pass. After rolling his hands are above his waste most of the time which is advantageous for bigger players.
Playmaking/passing: He is slowly improving as a passer out of the post or as a trailer in transition. His ability to see over the defense and handling the ball with one hand gives him major qualities to develop into a good passer.
Ball handling: Ismaël is still learning dribbling fundamentals and shows signs of improvement. His late arrival to basketball has him still discovering the untapped potential he possesses.
Off ball offense: Ismaël has a good understanding how to operate around the basket without the ball giving the potential penetrator an option to pass or hand off the ball. Since he is mainly instructed to rover around the rim in dunking range, at the moment he is not a reliable shooter, so he has not added the option of relocating for the catch and shoot. Ismaël also tracks down offensive rebounds well. Great with put backs, meeting the ball at its highest point thus keeping the advantage in his favor. Does not use any skill or technique just mainly effort. With a bit of coaching he can be an extra possession generator on the NBA level.
Transition: Ismaël is a phenomenal rim runner and excels at following the lead player in transition for potential put backs and rebounds. Fairly mobile for his size, accompanied with a long stride and a decent set on hands makes him a high percentage finisher.
DEFENSE:
Perimeter defense: Reliable defender on the perimeter late in the shot clock but will struggle if he has to constantly defend a faster ball handler fulltime. He has active hands (long arms) and feet which allows him to close the gap and recover if beat off the dribble to the basket.
Pick & roll defense: Ismaël does a decent job of getting low when switched off and guarding the smaller defender. His hands and feet are regularly active giving him the ability to be effective in drop and ice/weak coverages used by Paris Basketball staff.
Off ball defense: Ismaël puts his length to use intercepting and deflecting passes. Great in weak side with ability to close the gap and contest or alter shots. Mobility, length, and jump makes him legit rim protector and has the potential on the NBA level. Also great at tracking rebounds and does not wait for his defender to engage before chasing the loose ball.
SUMMARY: Ismaël is the persona of a late bloomer. From playing U18/NM3 just 3 years ago to shooting up into the top 5 2001 born European prospect rankings. Ismael is intriguing not only because of his un-coachable gifts (height, and length), but also for his ability to be coachable. He picks up on teaching (individual training) and coaching instructions (practices) really well which has allowed him to take a huge step forward in his development. The 2019-20 season, Ismaël was not featured early on. But an injury to the starter gave him his moment and he has never relinquished it since. This season, 2020-21, Ismaël is a staple in the Paris Basketball organization anchoring the defense and playing up to every inch of his 6’11 plus stature on the offensive end. With the long mobile 5 man becoming the player of choice for the position, his potential on the NBA level is very intriguing to say the least.
