Young guard starts pro career

Natéo Gabriel Des Bordes, an 18-year-old guard standing 1.94 meters tall, has begun his professional basketball career with Hyères-Toulon Var Basket in the ELITE 2 league. His decision to join this team differs from that of other players who left the Pôle France this summer, including Nathan Soliman, who joined Nantes, and Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, who left a year early.

Early success in debut matches

Des Bordes made a strong debut, scoring 20 points against La Rochelle during the second day of ELITE 2. He also scored 18 points in only 19 minutes in the French Cup against Fos-sur-Mer. His performance in the first weeks of the season highlights both his offensive potential and the adjustments needed to establish himself among professionals.

Support from veteran guards

Des Bordes is mentored by veteran guards such as Axel Julien, John Roberson, and Clément Cavallo, who provide him with advice and support. He also has a good relationship with his coach, Stéphane Dumas, who is known for his strict but supportive approach.

Choice of team and position

Des Bordes chose Hyères-Toulon over other destinations due to the team's project and the possibility of playing at position 2, which aligns with his personal development goals. The geographical proximity to his family was an additional advantage, though it was not the primary factor in his decision.

Consistent performance and skills

Despite a difficult start in Fos-sur-Mer, where he played only 4 minutes, Des Bordes quickly regained his form and confidence, scoring 20 points against La Rochelle. His performances have been encouraging, averaging 10.7 points at 60% shooting accuracy, including 60% from three-point range, in only 16 minutes on average.

Personal goals and playing style

Des Bordes identifies himself as a big three-point shooter with strong ball-handling and reading abilities. His goals this season are to show that he can use these qualities in the professional world and continue to progress. He also wants to develop his pick-and-roll game and not be limited to a role of a shooter coming off the bench.

Role models and long-term ambitions

Des Bordes looks up to players such as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Nadir Hifi as role models. He admires LeBron for his leadership and Luka for his ability to unlock many situations on the court. He also appreciates Nadir Hifi's confidence on the court.

Future aspirations and team challenges

Des Bordes has high ambitions, with his ultimate goal being to join the NBA. In the short term, he hopes to return to the French U19 team for the 2027 World Cup. He is focused on the current season and will take the path that will help him the most to reach his long-term goals. Hyères-Toulon has two wins in their first two matches in the ELITE 2 league and aims for the playoffs. The team is preparing to face Orléans, a club with the largest budget in the history of ELITE 2, at the renovated Espace 3000 in Hyères. This will be a special occasion for the team, and Des Bordes is eager to continue his learning and development in this environment.